Misfit_Hens28
In the Brooder
- Jul 3, 2025
- 1
- 10
- 17
I finally have a chance to introduce myself, I've been a lurker for a while and just recently signed up to be a member. I've been in the process of moving and starting a new job so things have been a little bonkers 
Anyway Hello!
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
I'm not new to chickens per se, I grew up in Perdue country... and I was always among the very few who would get upset when I saw the chickens on the trucks. Though I do eat chicken, I refuse to purchase Perdue, Tyson, or Mountaire if I can help it. I've owned my own chickens for about 5 years now, started during the covid lockdown like quite a few people.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
Um... hang on a second
*runs to window and attempts to count*
Over 15...? My last count was 28. I also work at Rural King as both a receiving and farming associate, which entails taking care of the chicks so my number has grown a bit. And probably will continue to do so...
(3) What breeds do you have?
Barred Rock, Dominique, Easter Egger/Legbar hybrid, Golden Comet, Rustic Rock, California Grey, 4 Speckled Sussex, 3 Buckeyes, 2 Black Australorp, 3 Banny Cochins, 2 Polish, Midnight Majestic Maran, 3 Americana, 2 Banny Old English Game, Starlight Olive Egger, and a mysterious buff Banny that I'm not sure what the breed is yet.
I have a spreadsheet
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
The eggs are nice, but I get more joy out their presence and taking care of them. I have, and sometimes still do, struggled with my mental health for years; I have CPTSD, depression, anxiety, and probably ADHD (fairly recent studies show that trauma and ADHD overlap so I don't see the point in getting tested unless it provides me with a benefit). It's not just their goofy tendencies or their comforting presence that is helpful, but it's also the simple fact that they need me to take care of them. Having them rely on me helps me not languish in my bed or isolate and disassociate, and they've saved my life in that sense.
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
I love reading, I write, I love to be outside in my garden, camping, hiking, and most other outdoor activities, I'm a huge nerd regarding mythology, folklore, ancient history, and religion,and I am addicted to buying mugs.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I'm that friend that will randomly drop some obscure, weird fact regarding history and you definitely want me on your trivia team. Oh, I also swear... a lot. I may as well tell you this now. It's taking a great deal of effort to not use a swear word now
In my defense, I grew up around watermen (basically people who fish and crab for a living) and I was the only girl among my cousins for years.
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community?
I can't remember what I was googling, but I wanted an answer from someone who wasn't going to either try to scare me into thinking I should give them money to save my chicken or try to sell me their custom herbal tincture or whatever. I basically wanted a person like me who had knowledge about chickens and how to raise and treat them, but wanted some advice. That's where y'all came in
I lurked for a while, feeling out the forums and seeing how the admins handled things... I liked what I saw so here I am!
Anyway Hello!
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
I'm not new to chickens per se, I grew up in Perdue country... and I was always among the very few who would get upset when I saw the chickens on the trucks. Though I do eat chicken, I refuse to purchase Perdue, Tyson, or Mountaire if I can help it. I've owned my own chickens for about 5 years now, started during the covid lockdown like quite a few people.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
Um... hang on a second
*runs to window and attempts to count*
Over 15...? My last count was 28. I also work at Rural King as both a receiving and farming associate, which entails taking care of the chicks so my number has grown a bit. And probably will continue to do so...
(3) What breeds do you have?
Barred Rock, Dominique, Easter Egger/Legbar hybrid, Golden Comet, Rustic Rock, California Grey, 4 Speckled Sussex, 3 Buckeyes, 2 Black Australorp, 3 Banny Cochins, 2 Polish, Midnight Majestic Maran, 3 Americana, 2 Banny Old English Game, Starlight Olive Egger, and a mysterious buff Banny that I'm not sure what the breed is yet.
I have a spreadsheet
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
The eggs are nice, but I get more joy out their presence and taking care of them. I have, and sometimes still do, struggled with my mental health for years; I have CPTSD, depression, anxiety, and probably ADHD (fairly recent studies show that trauma and ADHD overlap so I don't see the point in getting tested unless it provides me with a benefit). It's not just their goofy tendencies or their comforting presence that is helpful, but it's also the simple fact that they need me to take care of them. Having them rely on me helps me not languish in my bed or isolate and disassociate, and they've saved my life in that sense.
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
I love reading, I write, I love to be outside in my garden, camping, hiking, and most other outdoor activities, I'm a huge nerd regarding mythology, folklore, ancient history, and religion,and I am addicted to buying mugs.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I'm that friend that will randomly drop some obscure, weird fact regarding history and you definitely want me on your trivia team. Oh, I also swear... a lot. I may as well tell you this now. It's taking a great deal of effort to not use a swear word now
In my defense, I grew up around watermen (basically people who fish and crab for a living) and I was the only girl among my cousins for years.
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community?
I can't remember what I was googling, but I wanted an answer from someone who wasn't going to either try to scare me into thinking I should give them money to save my chicken or try to sell me their custom herbal tincture or whatever. I basically wanted a person like me who had knowledge about chickens and how to raise and treat them, but wanted some advice. That's where y'all came in
I lurked for a while, feeling out the forums and seeing how the admins handled things... I liked what I saw so here I am!
and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.
to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
