Hello, my name is Mitch. This is my first year getting chickens although I have been thinking about it for years. I have 6 chickens, 3 Lavender Orpingtons and 3 Crested Cream Legbars. The Orps are a week older than CCLB at 5 and a half weeks. I have enjoyed everything so far about raising the chicks. From picking what kind of chicks I wanted, designing and building their new home (which is in progress) and studying their behavior. I didn't know chickens would have so much personality. Some of the stuff goes in opposition to what I read. Like my sweetest chick that likes to be held is a Legbar and not an Orpington.
I also make soap for my friends and family. I mostly give it away although I sell some from time to time. My son and I came up with a really good recipe and have it down.
I have a minpin that is 8 years old. He's the spoiled rotten, insanely jealous, sleeps in the bed under the covers kind of dog. I'm not sure if he's ever going to accept the chickens, but I do know he understands it will be a bad day if he hurts one of them.
My neighborhood is right on the edge of a developing section of town, near a creek that has lots of wildlife spilling over into the area. I've seen Coyotes, Raccoons, Possums, Skunks and loads of Hawks. Not to mention one of my neighbors operates a feral cat factory out of their garage. Having the chickens has attracted them to the house before they ever even went outside. I know this coup has to be a vault or their is no point in making it in the first place.
I have been teaching my 14 year old son how to do things to be self reliant in case the world falls apart. We planted a small garden, got the chickens, he knows how to fish but I guess the next step is to teach him to hunt. He knows how to shoot at least so that's a good start.
I look forward to getting any feedback and will be grateful for the advice I know I'm going to need. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to chickens so I'm at your mercy.
I also make soap for my friends and family. I mostly give it away although I sell some from time to time. My son and I came up with a really good recipe and have it down.
I have a minpin that is 8 years old. He's the spoiled rotten, insanely jealous, sleeps in the bed under the covers kind of dog. I'm not sure if he's ever going to accept the chickens, but I do know he understands it will be a bad day if he hurts one of them.
My neighborhood is right on the edge of a developing section of town, near a creek that has lots of wildlife spilling over into the area. I've seen Coyotes, Raccoons, Possums, Skunks and loads of Hawks. Not to mention one of my neighbors operates a feral cat factory out of their garage. Having the chickens has attracted them to the house before they ever even went outside. I know this coup has to be a vault or their is no point in making it in the first place.
I have been teaching my 14 year old son how to do things to be self reliant in case the world falls apart. We planted a small garden, got the chickens, he knows how to fish but I guess the next step is to teach him to hunt. He knows how to shoot at least so that's a good start.
I look forward to getting any feedback and will be grateful for the advice I know I'm going to need. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to chickens so I'm at your mercy.
Really cool that you decided to get some chickens. Lavender Orps are among my favorites. Good luck with your coop build! I bet your son will enjoy the process, too. 
! Welcome to BYC! 
