I finally have chickens (hence my handle, grin) after wanting them for most of my married life (18-19 yrs). I've wanted them ever since I saw Martha Stewart's basket of multi-colored eggs and found out I could have them in town. My DH said "absolutely not", when I mentioned how cool it would be ( what was I thinking saying it outloud!). Since I love him and he doesn't speak up about much I do, (believe me there's plenty he could squack about!) I didn't get any. But i now have a neighbor who has wanted them too, but thought that it would be convenient to share responsibilites with someone. So we r going to keep them at her house and they will be both of ours, yay! We may end up having more than the 5 4-5 week old pullets I'm brooding in the basement (shhh, don't tell dh!) as we both bought coops that can hold 4-6 hens each. Anyway, if anyone on here is in the Des Moines or surrounding area, let me know! Carrie with chickensfinally 
and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your shared flock! Hope the roo is a quiet one. You might like to check out your state thread for more chicken keeping neighbors 
