Hello from a new member from Texas!

[ValarieF]

Hi! I am Zac from Texas. After about 5 years of dreaming/researching/planning/convincing my wife, I am now officially a "Backyard Chickeneer." I have already gained a lot from this community and look forward to continuing to be a part of it.

(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens? Yes, new to chickens, got them this summer (late July).

(2) How many chickens do you have right now? I have four chickens (about 2 months old) in a typical suburban backyard. Hoping to double that number to eight next year (trying to space out their ages a bit).

(3) What breeds do you have? I currently have two New Hampshire Reds and two Lavender Orpingtons. Hoping to add Easter Eggers, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and/or Black Copper Marans next year.

(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens? There is a lot to like so far, but the whole process of researching, then building a coop, to caring for them. I also do this for my two kids, who have really enjoyed helping me build the coop and now take care of the chickens - I like showing them that there are some really great non-digital hobbies to pursue!

(5) What are some of your other hobbies? I enjoy board games, woodworking, reading, traveling and amateur astronomy.

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share. I am married with two kids in elementary school. We have one dog, an older miniature schnauzer who seems a little too interested in the chickens so far, so we are keeping them apart. I am in education.

(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community? I have known about BYC for quite a while, so I honestly can't remember how I found it - probably Google? And I am joining because I have been lurking long enough (and I was getting sick of all the ads).

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The four a couple of weeks after I first got them.

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The coop/run - plans from "The Garden Coop" - they were great, easy to follow, and very happy with how it turned out!

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And here they are today at about 2 months old, experimenting with some supervised free-ranging.

Your coop looks great! Of course as you already know if you need anything just ask!