My name is Heather. My husband and I recently purchased land in Melrose, Florida and are really learning what it's like to run our own farm. I think our cats and Schnauzer-mix Bella are loving this new adventure even more than us...
I grew up on a 30-acre hobby farm in McAlpin, where my parents still live today. My childhood best friends were horses, goats, and a chicken, Big Bird. It wasn't until after I went off to college, though, that my mom began to raise chickens (empty nest syndrome?), and I must admit, now she's got me hooked. This summer, I chose an adorable little recently-hatched Bantam Cochin chick from her brooder and named him Igor. I knew right away that he would be the leader of my flock. To say he has a lot of attitude is an understatement! But true to his breed, he is a sweetheart of a guy. My mom also gave me 2 Bantam Cochin hens to keep Igor company. Shortly after, in our first attempt to purchase "laying hens" at a McAlpin auction, we bid on some RIR pullets/cockerels... still to be determined.
This week, during another visit to my parents' farm, I could not resist doubling my flock. What can I say? I'm addicted. My mom gave me 3 Bantam Seramas that she hatched 4-5 weeks ago. They are so cute and tiny!! Also, to fulfill my wish for laying hens, I got 4 Java chicks (approximately 2 months old) from a friend of my mom's who breeds them. We are very excited to be raising such a rare, beautiful and endangered breed. So that makes 13 chickens, no layers yet... but stay tuned.
Thanks Backyard Chickens for letting me share
I grew up on a 30-acre hobby farm in McAlpin, where my parents still live today. My childhood best friends were horses, goats, and a chicken, Big Bird. It wasn't until after I went off to college, though, that my mom began to raise chickens (empty nest syndrome?), and I must admit, now she's got me hooked. This summer, I chose an adorable little recently-hatched Bantam Cochin chick from her brooder and named him Igor. I knew right away that he would be the leader of my flock. To say he has a lot of attitude is an understatement! But true to his breed, he is a sweetheart of a guy. My mom also gave me 2 Bantam Cochin hens to keep Igor company. Shortly after, in our first attempt to purchase "laying hens" at a McAlpin auction, we bid on some RIR pullets/cockerels... still to be determined.
This week, during another visit to my parents' farm, I could not resist doubling my flock. What can I say? I'm addicted. My mom gave me 3 Bantam Seramas that she hatched 4-5 weeks ago. They are so cute and tiny!! Also, to fulfill my wish for laying hens, I got 4 Java chicks (approximately 2 months old) from a friend of my mom's who breeds them. We are very excited to be raising such a rare, beautiful and endangered breed. So that makes 13 chickens, no layers yet... but stay tuned.
Thanks Backyard Chickens for letting me share
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