Hello from Missouri!

As the title suggests, I live in Northern Missouri. I only recently got into poultry, and have definitely caught the poultry bug! I have (counting new chicks) 15 bantam silkies- 2 black, 6 buff/partridge (they're young), 3 blue, 3 white, and 1 splash. I also am fond of ducks, boasting 2 cayuga drakes and a black/white ancona hen. My fiance has 9 young guineas.

Yes, we have built a formidable, somewhat spacious chicken shed. It was entirely necessary. XD

Anyway! I've referred back to this site for every question I've had thus far, finding it incredibly helpful. Now that I have a little bit of experience under my belt, I thought that now was a good time to join the forums myself.

What I have learned:

1) When cleaning out the x-large dog kennel you're using as a temporary chicken house, be sure to check underneath it for particularly friendly birds before dropping it back down on the ground. R.I.P first splash silkie. R.I.P.

2) That short, fluffy little cockrel that you can pick up and cuddle now? In a couple of months he will fall in love... with another lady. He will then valiantly protect her and her friends from such evil things such as your toes, your hands, your cat, and the man who innocently tries to upgrade your internet speed.

3) Ducks are horny, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. Period.

4) Guineas, much like cats, love string, especially when there's a weight at the end of it. Also much like cats, that can cause some problems. Specifically, it must be noted that their lifespan has the potential to decrease sharply without the aid of a tongue. It also makes them a little creepy- they make keet sounds without opening their mouths after that.

5) At night, a group of silkies will form a gigantic calico tribble, complete with purring sounds.

6) Chickens are definitely related to the raptors of old. They mimic the sounds of their ancestors.

7) The flock knows where you live, and where you keep the cat's food. They will leave excretory presents on the porch to inform you of that, usually located around said food, or on your favorite, now flower-less potted plants.

8) If they haven't noticed that the food bowl has been filled in the morning, the ducks will become very distressed and chase your car down the driveway as fast as their stubby, over-burdened little legs can carry them. At this point you are obligated to show them that you have moved the bowl inside their house.

9) Silkies can almost fly in a stiff breeze... sideways, and head-over-heels. Almost like a tumbling pigeon... only less graceful.

10) Chicken-keeping is addictive.