Hello! I’m Farmer Larry

[Farmer Larry]

I am not really a farmer, just a gardener who wants to start raising chickens this year. I live in Northern Colorado with my beautiful bride.
Let the fun begin.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, Larry! Welcome to BYC!! Be sure to check out our Learning Center under the articles tab.

 

[Jenbirdee]

hello there! nice to meet you!

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you in this poultry loving community.

 

[RadEggs]

Hi Larry! Welcome!
Here are some tips:
Buy older (around 4-6 months) chickens from a nearby farmer
(Then you can be sure if the birds are roosters)
Also, I think you have less of a salmonella chance, as they are not from a big hatchery, so the statistics of hatchery chicks with salmonella don't apply to them.
Sit and wait for them to come to you.
And offer treats. Oatmeal (cooked and non) is great, and so are bugs! When they start squating when you get near (cause they are starting to lay eggs soon, or are laying) you can pick them up. The more you hold them and give treats after, the more they trust you. Mine like gentle pets on their earlobes, backs, and chests. Do not touch the feet or beak. They get MAD.
One more thing, they dig up EVERYTHING. Fence off your plants, but share your garden, because they are sooooooo funny to have around. Also, they protect plants from pests!
You will LOVE chickens.

 

[RadEggs]

One one more thing, sorry.
If you are holding a chicken, and it squeezes your hand with its claws, it is nervous.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens, @Farmer Larry from over here in Maine! Gardening, raising chickens, or any other care of living things that probably isn't living in your house, is someone I've always viewed as farming, so I'd still say you're a farmer. Welcome!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Jakemedic]

Welcome from Iowa! It’s nice to hear a gentleman call his wife his “bride”. I do that and it still gets smiles from my bride! Great folks, sound advice! Make yourself at home here.

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @Farmer Larry

Like you I am a gardener and I raise chickens for eggs and meat.
Let the fun begin for you an your beautiful bride

Welcome!