Hello,
I have been reading these boards for some time now (thanks for all of the helpful information!) and decided it was time to start posting!
My interest in homesteading and sustainable farming has led me to the amazing world of chickens. After some time "WWOOFing" (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) I have come back home to my family's farm to start a business. We are currently selling heirloom vegetables and artisan breads. We are not certified organic, but follow organic practices. We are fairly new to chickens, but have fallen in love with them! The the more we learn the bigger our plans become. We started by buying a dozen chicks from a local breeder. We have a few free-ranging delawares, buff orps, barred rocks and some that were supposed to be blue plymouth rocks, but I think might actually EE mixes, but honestly can't tell! Our girls are ready to start laying any day now. We were "blessed" with quite a few cockerels as well and have made the decision to butcher the ones with less desirable physical/personality traits. It's been a hard decision, but after doing a lot of research and learning the reality of pullet-only hatcheries, I am happy to give these guys a good life for as long as possible and a quick/humane end that will supply my family with a healthy meal.
I am mainly interested in dual-purpose breeds and have been reading quite a bit about heritage breeds. I would love to keep a flock that provides eggs, meat and is helping to preserve a rare breed. The "old type" Rhode Island Reds are high on my list, but I am still in the researching stage. There are so many beautiful breeds out there, it's hard to narrow it down.
Thank you for creating such a great community/resource for chicken owners!
Kelsey
I have been reading these boards for some time now (thanks for all of the helpful information!) and decided it was time to start posting!
My interest in homesteading and sustainable farming has led me to the amazing world of chickens. After some time "WWOOFing" (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) I have come back home to my family's farm to start a business. We are currently selling heirloom vegetables and artisan breads. We are not certified organic, but follow organic practices. We are fairly new to chickens, but have fallen in love with them! The the more we learn the bigger our plans become. We started by buying a dozen chicks from a local breeder. We have a few free-ranging delawares, buff orps, barred rocks and some that were supposed to be blue plymouth rocks, but I think might actually EE mixes, but honestly can't tell! Our girls are ready to start laying any day now. We were "blessed" with quite a few cockerels as well and have made the decision to butcher the ones with less desirable physical/personality traits. It's been a hard decision, but after doing a lot of research and learning the reality of pullet-only hatcheries, I am happy to give these guys a good life for as long as possible and a quick/humane end that will supply my family with a healthy meal.
I am mainly interested in dual-purpose breeds and have been reading quite a bit about heritage breeds. I would love to keep a flock that provides eggs, meat and is helping to preserve a rare breed. The "old type" Rhode Island Reds are high on my list, but I am still in the researching stage. There are so many beautiful breeds out there, it's hard to narrow it down.
Thank you for creating such a great community/resource for chicken owners!
Kelsey
from Ohio. So glad you joined. Congrats on the first egg. 
