I have wanted my own little flock for mNy years but it's just not worked out ... UNTIL NOW! Well, we've only just ordered a coop on Amazon but my heart is soaring 
. I'm thinking hens all day and night ...
I have four very young children and a super dog named Sundar, a rough collie (the "Lassie" type). We have three acres on southern Connecticut. Our coop will accommodate five or so hens. I hope to get two marans, one buff Orpington and maybe two Easter eggers or perhaps another variety. The silver laced Walloppes (??) are also so beautiful, good layers and well-enough suited to our crappy winters. I've already named them all ... Martha, Valerie, Thelma, Josephine and Annie.
Now to GET them. It seems that is my first challenge as flock manager. The breeds are not readily available. My pragmatic husband is happy with any variety ... RIR or those white ones ... I grew up with these common chickens and am hoping for something a little fancier but still practical. I hope to prevail as I will be the one discovering their individual charms and looking after their well-being. If any of you are in my area with suggestions re chicken procurement, please let me know!!
My warm regards to you all and I am pleased to be here.
Lisa
. I'm thinking hens all day and night ... I have four very young children and a super dog named Sundar, a rough collie (the "Lassie" type). We have three acres on southern Connecticut. Our coop will accommodate five or so hens. I hope to get two marans, one buff Orpington and maybe two Easter eggers or perhaps another variety. The silver laced Walloppes (??) are also so beautiful, good layers and well-enough suited to our crappy winters. I've already named them all ... Martha, Valerie, Thelma, Josephine and Annie
. Now to GET them. It seems that is my first challenge as flock manager. The breeds are not readily available. My pragmatic husband is happy with any variety ... RIR or those white ones ... I grew up with these common chickens and am hoping for something a little fancier but still practical. I hope to prevail as I will be the one discovering their individual charms and looking after their well-being
. If any of you are in my area with suggestions re chicken procurement, please let me know!!My warm regards to you all and I am pleased to be here.
Lisa
and Welcome To BYC! TwoCrows gave you some great links to get you started! If you can't find them locally, those breeds are usually available via mail order from commercial hatcheries. Meyer Hatchery in Ohio is probably the most popular small-order hatchery, you can order as few as three chicks from them April to October, they have a huge selection of interesting breeds... I love the Wyandottes also, they come in so many beautiful colors. 
