After lurking on Backyard Chickens for a l-o-n-g time, I've finally decided to join the community. My vets are great but may not be the best at poultry issues.
Although we had chickens and Mallard ducks when I was growing up, I decided to add my own chickens at our acreage about two and half years ago. I started with four laying hens that a 4-H'er couldn't show at the Iowa State Fair because of the avian flu outbreak.
Within a few months, my life-partner-in-crime, Jim, decided we should add a breeding trio of Iowa Blues, which were housed in a separate coop. Lady Louise laid six eggs; only two produced live chicks. Sadly, Louise died of a tumor this summer, and the other hen, Lady Emma, was a victim of the buffalo gnat invasion that killed many, many chickens this summer. Only Sir Henry, the Loud, remains of the original three. However, his daughters, Pip and Squeak, are doing well.
All went well with the four laying hens until a mink attack in February; only Honey, the Buff Orp, survived. Since then, housed in too many small, separate coops to accommodate everyone's personality quirks, the flock has grown to include a pair of Salmon Faverolles pullets, three more 4-H cast-offs (a Blue-laced Red Wyandotte and two bantam cochins -- a barred and a red frizzle), and Jim's recent acquisition of a pair of Sapphire Gems.
Vanna and Petra are still in the brooder in an upstairs bedroom. The others share yard spare with nine Indian runner ducks and -- penned by themselves -- a pair of American Buff geese, Gussie and Golly. They were the only two goslings left at Bomgaars when I went to buy feed one day. How could I leave them alone in a big brooder? They are soooo personable and much sweeter than I thought possible for geese.
Across the way, we have two hair sheep ewes and seven miniature goats. Indoors, there are six cats (including one who was born without eyes -- Mr. Magoo, known informally as "Goo") and a Great Pyrenees, Pearl, who was untrained when acquired at seven months old and proved a disastrous livestock guardian but a really good doorway speed bump in the house.
The acreage includes a 103-year-old farm house, a barn that's seen happier days, a bunch of fruit trees, berry patches, a veggie garden and as many flower beds as I can squeeze in.
I am far from knowledgeable about all the poultry, but I hope I can contribute now and again to discussions -- making mistakes is a great way to learn, and I have learned a lot since I bought my first chickens.
Although we had chickens and Mallard ducks when I was growing up, I decided to add my own chickens at our acreage about two and half years ago. I started with four laying hens that a 4-H'er couldn't show at the Iowa State Fair because of the avian flu outbreak.
Within a few months, my life-partner-in-crime, Jim, decided we should add a breeding trio of Iowa Blues, which were housed in a separate coop. Lady Louise laid six eggs; only two produced live chicks. Sadly, Louise died of a tumor this summer, and the other hen, Lady Emma, was a victim of the buffalo gnat invasion that killed many, many chickens this summer. Only Sir Henry, the Loud, remains of the original three. However, his daughters, Pip and Squeak, are doing well.
All went well with the four laying hens until a mink attack in February; only Honey, the Buff Orp, survived. Since then, housed in too many small, separate coops to accommodate everyone's personality quirks, the flock has grown to include a pair of Salmon Faverolles pullets, three more 4-H cast-offs (a Blue-laced Red Wyandotte and two bantam cochins -- a barred and a red frizzle), and Jim's recent acquisition of a pair of Sapphire Gems.
Vanna and Petra are still in the brooder in an upstairs bedroom. The others share yard spare with nine Indian runner ducks and -- penned by themselves -- a pair of American Buff geese, Gussie and Golly. They were the only two goslings left at Bomgaars when I went to buy feed one day. How could I leave them alone in a big brooder? They are soooo personable and much sweeter than I thought possible for geese.
Across the way, we have two hair sheep ewes and seven miniature goats. Indoors, there are six cats (including one who was born without eyes -- Mr. Magoo, known informally as "Goo") and a Great Pyrenees, Pearl, who was untrained when acquired at seven months old and proved a disastrous livestock guardian but a really good doorway speed bump in the house.
The acreage includes a 103-year-old farm house, a barn that's seen happier days, a bunch of fruit trees, berry patches, a veggie garden and as many flower beds as I can squeeze in.
I am far from knowledgeable about all the poultry, but I hope I can contribute now and again to discussions -- making mistakes is a great way to learn, and I have learned a lot since I bought my first chickens.
Welcome to BYC!!! 
but loved your intro...
). You might enjoy chatting with other members in IA, here's a link to your state thread:
