Hello from Arizona

[BlueBaby]

I'll start by saying: I don't have chickens. YET.

Right now we live about halfway between Flagstaff and Phoenix, in Dewey, Arizona. We're retiring to Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, most likely next spring/summer. Just us, lots of kids & grandkids but they all live far away. We've moved a lot, lived in a lot of different climates/states, but we need to stay in Arizona for the elders.

So--an acre where we can have chickens in the piney woods in the mountains. It will have all four seasons--snow in winter and heat temps in the high 80's. Not a lot of grass unless you water it, but nice native plants and wildflowers on the forest floor. I'll have a very small veggie garden--but only for chicken treats like kale and spinach, as we're carnivores and don't eat veggies ourselves.

It'll be a while before we get to have chickens--we have to build the house first--but I want a dual purpose breed, say eight or nine hens and a roo. I'm thinking Buff Orpingtons, because a. I'm a rank beginner, and b. they're just so danged sweet.

The hubby is an excellent carpenter, so he'll build coops and runs as I design them. I'm a firm believer in researching the heck out of something before I attempt it, which is why I'm joining BYC so early in the game. Hope y'all don't mind.

So if anyone lives in a dry mountain climate (Colorado? Arizona mountains?) I'd love to hear from you about raising chickens in a pine forest. Thank you in advance.

Hello, and welcome to BYC! It look's like you have many thing's planned to do in your retirement! I'm in AZ. too, but I'm not in the mountains. You could come join our AZ. state thread here at this site and chat with the rest of us. We are from all over here in AZ., so someone there may already be living under the condition's that you are inquiring about. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/arizona-chickens.31227/page-6723#post-20521696

 

[AnimalGeek23]

Wow! When I joined, I didn't have chicks either, and I was planning to get buff orpingtons! Good luck with your future flock!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens great Bio and very smart to look into things first...
Look into Plymouth Barred Rocks they are large dual purpose or Jersey Giants depends do you want to sell eggs ?

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

Glad you could join our flock! We are sure you'll love it here, so pull up a roost!

 

[drumstick diva]

Thank you for joining us at Backyard Chickens

 

[feathermaid]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens!!

Sounds like you're doing great with research and getting all prepared before the chickens arrive! Did you say you don't eat any veggies?!

Here's a few links that have important information to keep in mind when building a coop:

How Much Room Do Chickens Need

Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!

Predator Proofing

Good luck in your future chicken adventure!!

 

[N F C]

Hi, you've already been given a lot of links to check out so I'll just say...it's nice to have you here!

Best luck with all your plans

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[Hermits Garden]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Buff Orps are a wonderful breed to keep. Very hardy in all climates, great layer, super friendly, healthier than many other breeds. I live in the mountains of New Mexico, my Orps do really well.

If you have any other questions along the way, be sure and ask us.

Welcome to our roost!

Welcome to BYC, Jan!
With hubby as a carpenter, you'll end up with a great coop! Please post pictures of it's progress.
You picked a great hobby for retirement!

Count on it! Between the chickens, hiking, fishing, gardening, and the hubby's plan for agility sports with the dog, we'll definitely stay busy. :~)