Stephanie_VA
In the Brooder
Hello! I'm Stephanie, and I live in Chesapeake Virginia.
Several years ago I decided to work toward a more self sufficient lifestyle. I plowed up a veggie garden, planted a few fruit trees, and began raising meat rabbits. My intent was to also start keeping a backyard flock. But after beginning with the rabbits I realized that opening too many projects at once might be overwhelming and possibly defeat my goals. Including the responsibilities of keeping livestock into my daily schedule could possibly become too much and my animals might suffer from my inability to keep up. So, I put off hens for a while. Well, it's been over 2 years since I first got my rabbits, and I feel confident in my ability to maintain them and bring hens to the mix.
In the research I've done online to educate myself about hens I noticed that a huge percentage of the google links I got to my questions pointed here. It was plain that membership here was a smart choice. I joined a similar forum for rabbits when I began with them, and it has proven to be a great help, plus a lot of fun. So, here I am.
I have no chickens, or even a coop yet. But, I am planning my tractor build now, and my plan is to get a few chicks next spring. I am planning on Buff Orpington for a breed. From what I've read they are easy to care for, friendly, productive, and do well in this climate. City ordinance limits me to 6 hens, which would be much more than my own needs would require, since I live alone. But, I realize I will likely be giving away a few eggs to neighbors and family. I'm also hoping to sell a few eggs to coworkers from time to time to help offset feed costs. Realizing that the possibility exists to lose a chick or 2, I am planning on actually getting 6, and hopeful that most will survive. I didn't think it wise to get only a few and maybe add more later, realizing that getting newbies into an existing flock might require more attention than I would be able to give.
So, that's me in a nutshell.
Several years ago I decided to work toward a more self sufficient lifestyle. I plowed up a veggie garden, planted a few fruit trees, and began raising meat rabbits. My intent was to also start keeping a backyard flock. But after beginning with the rabbits I realized that opening too many projects at once might be overwhelming and possibly defeat my goals. Including the responsibilities of keeping livestock into my daily schedule could possibly become too much and my animals might suffer from my inability to keep up. So, I put off hens for a while. Well, it's been over 2 years since I first got my rabbits, and I feel confident in my ability to maintain them and bring hens to the mix.
In the research I've done online to educate myself about hens I noticed that a huge percentage of the google links I got to my questions pointed here. It was plain that membership here was a smart choice. I joined a similar forum for rabbits when I began with them, and it has proven to be a great help, plus a lot of fun. So, here I am.
I have no chickens, or even a coop yet. But, I am planning my tractor build now, and my plan is to get a few chicks next spring. I am planning on Buff Orpington for a breed. From what I've read they are easy to care for, friendly, productive, and do well in this climate. City ordinance limits me to 6 hens, which would be much more than my own needs would require, since I live alone. But, I realize I will likely be giving away a few eggs to neighbors and family. I'm also hoping to sell a few eggs to coworkers from time to time to help offset feed costs. Realizing that the possibility exists to lose a chick or 2, I am planning on actually getting 6, and hopeful that most will survive. I didn't think it wise to get only a few and maybe add more later, realizing that getting newbies into an existing flock might require more attention than I would be able to give.
So, that's me in a nutshell.
We're so happy you've decided to join us
Nice intro
