Hello from Virginia!!

Well, I got an okay from the hubby that I can indeed have some chickens but he isn't willing to help (that may change if he warms up to them). But, I am yet far from having any as we do not have a place for them yet (we should be moving this summer and if all goes well we'll get our own house). I've checked the laws and have gotten permission from the significant other though before I had gotten my hopes up.

Having chickens is something I've been thinking about for maybe a year or so now, and I recently stumbled upon a website, mypetchicken, which in turn led me here, point being that I now had access to information, which is indeed a crucial thing. Over the time I'll have to wait to be able to order my first batch of chicks, I plan on designing a coop, picking out which breeds to get and gathering information as well as making friends here.

If we do manage to get our own place this year I probably won't get ahold of any chickens until next year in the spring-winter. Below is just some information on what I'm looking for and have in mind already for those that have any helpful advice or tips.

What I want in a chicken:
Good Egg Layer, doesn't matter the color. 4-7 eggs a week.
Cold Hardy, summers here don't get terribly hot but winter can be quite cold.
Confines Well, I won't be able to let them roam the yard but every once in a while as a treat I'd imagine so they should be able to keep to a run fairly well.
Friendly Disposition, I do like to interact with my pets and would be happy if they interacted back happily

Chicken Breeds I'm considering now:
Australorp
Rhode Island Red
Speckled Sussex
Silver or Golden Laced Wyandotte
Easter Egger
Red Star (Comet, Red Sex Link, Etc.)

I'll probably end up posting in the coop forums while I plan out my coop.

I'm glad to have found this site and I look forward to getting to know you all better, seeing all the fantastic chickens and coops you have all built, and learning with you all.

-Tiger