We've been raising chickens wherever we've lived--except Mexico. We've experienced a lot of predator problems, including one eagle we surprised just as it was killing one of our RI Reds. Lately it has been raccoons, so I am refortifying Fort McChicken. We've got only 8 hens now--no roosters allowed in the city limits, which we're at the very edge of.. Our girls, as our neighbor likes to call them, have plenty of enclosed space, but the raccoons are very clever and will exploit the slightest weakness, even chewing through old chicken wire. At night we close the chickens in their own barn. I also like to let them roam the yard, and the same neighbor likes to toss them popcorn, but with large birds around I'm reluctant to expose them. So far all but the eagle kill have been at night, through weak spots in our defenses.. We would like to add to our mini-flock, but My Pet Chicken seems to be the only place to find rare breeds, and I really balk at paying $61.96 for 7 hens. Anybody nearby got any to spare--for a reasonable price?
go to "where am I, where are you," in the social forum, so you can locate and post on your state thread. You are likely to find other chicken people near you who may have breeds you'd like and you wouldn't have to pay shipping.
Yes, those predators can cause trouble. I can't free range my girls due to all the critters lurking in the skies and grounds. Good luck finding the breeds you are looking for and enjoy BYC!
Thanks, y'all (as they like to say down here) Spent most of yesterday double-fencing, putting up boards. Even though my wife and I go to aerobics 3 times a week, my back ached this morning! Second Saturday of the month The tractor Supply hosts a parking lot critter swap. Think we'll mosey on down there, see what we can find. Not sure fancy breeds would fare too well with my big RI Reds, though. May have to settle for bigger hens.
