Hi! We are Jenn & Jeff from Schwenksville PA. We are brand new to chicken keeping. We have a moderate amount of land. Last year we put in a large garden with a variety of crops. My husband has talked about having chickens in the past, and I kept saying NO. I'm not sure why I changed my mind, but we are getting ready to purchase our first batch of chicks. I talked to a co-worker who has raised chickens, and she gave me a few pointers on breeds. We have decided to start with Barred Rocks. My husband is constructing the coop and I'm getting the brooding area ready. The plan is to keep the coop it in the garden area which is enclosed by deer fence. We will also have an enclosed "run" area. Since we will be out in the garden quite a bit... Is it OK to allow the girls out to run in the garden? Also do the "Nite Guard" sensors work? I know we will have many questions in the weeks to come. I am thrilled that I found BYC we have learned so much already. This site is WONDERFUL!! Thank You!
