I'm following the guidelines here and introducing myself to everyone. I live on 2 acres in Dripping Springs, Texas and am the proud Mom of three grown children and 4 dogs as well as my flock of chickens. This is my 3rd season of being a chicken Mama and I have found such joy in raising chickens. My first try at raising chickens ended with a complete loss of all four of our chickens. The first one was killed by my 11 yr old dachsund who was let out accidentally when the hens were out free ranging. The other 3 resulted in a complete slaughter by some predator. My husband and I were devistated and last year we decided to try again. Having learned a few things from our other experience we set out again with 2 bantams and 2 pullets. One of our pullets died mysteriously...just turned up face down one morning in their coop and the other 3 are thriving beautifully. 1 bantam rooster, 1 bantam hen and 1 Black Rock. We recently added 6 new chicks and built a coop next door to the older ones so everyone can get used to each other. At this point the new flock is 4 weeks old and we have moved them from the brooder box into their new digs. I'm hoping that I do not end up with another rooster as I took the chance of buying 2 straight run bantams and 4 red pullets. I actually think the bantams are Cochins due to the feathering on their feet and how round and fluffy their feathers are growing in. I'm very excited to be a part of this wonderful forum and I look forward to many happy years of being a HappyHenMama. Oh and Happy Mama to one Rooster.