Here doing some research before I bring my first chickens home!

[BarkingDogs]

(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?

I don't have chickens yet, I am here doing some research to decide which breeds will be best for my family and decide on the building design for my coop and run.

(2) How many chickens do you have right now?

I live in the city and although their are no limitations to the amount of hens I am planning to have only about 5 or 6

(3) What breeds do you have?

I am deciding between Australorp, Brahma, Easter Eggers, Sussex, Plymoth/Barred Rock and Orpington's. I am looking for family pets and egg layers.

(4) How did you find out about BackYardChickens.com?

Google.com

(5) What are some of your other hobbies?

Gardening, Junkin' and Antique shopping, furniture makeovers, magazine obsession

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.

I am married with two little girls, we have 2 dogs, 3 cats, goldfish and turtles. I buy junk, fix it up and sell it in an antique shop or decorate my home with it.


I'm so happy I've found this site, it has been very helpful so far and I'm sure I'll be using it a lot in the future!

 

[Imp]

from Washington

Glad you joined.

Imp

 

[easttxchick]

from the Piney Woods of Texas.

I have some Austrolorps and Barred Rocks-I love both-great dispositions!

Get some of 'em all-you can never have too many!

Good luck.

 

[Shannon's Chix]

I knew nothing about chickens before I got them, learned most of it on this great site! 2 months in and my girls are doing great! Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[CHIC]

You're smart for doin your research first. I didn't and am really regretting it

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

I did a lot of research first, too, and have not regretted it, especially as regards our coop.

Of my four pullets, my EE is the gentlest and most like a pet. Next would be the Light Brahma and close behind her is the Buff Orpington. The Delaware must have some vestigial memory of being a meat bird as she is terrified every time I pick her up.

 

[BarkingDogs]

Imp: I'm from WA too.... if you mean WA state

easttxchick: everyone has told me that austrolorps and barred rocks are wonderful, wish I could get some of all! I'm not sure where to even get chicks. I want day old or near day old so I can hand raise them but so far it looks like most places require you to order 25 chicks.

ConservaChick: Thanks for the welcome, happy to hear your girls are going good!


CHIC: Curious, what are you regretting and wish you would have done more research on?
Just Hatched

 

[CHIC]

This is very true. I have combed this site to try to find everyone in my state to network with. Thats your best bet. I have emailed a ton of people asking them for what I am looking for. You would be surprised, even if someone can't help you they will sometimes give you a good lead! GOOD LUCK!

 

[breezy]

I have 4 hens. 3 buff orpingtons and 1 jersey giant. Everything I learned about buffs and their egg laying reputation is true. They lay large beautiful eggs consistantly and are sweet natured comical birds. My jersey giant lays eggs that are often speckled and are darker than the buffs. She is my problem layer though. For some reason she lays really thin shelled or shell-less eggs no matter what I feed her or how I supplement her diet with calcium. I dont know if that is a problem with them as a breed or if its just this one bird of mine. She is extremely sweet natured however and really docile. I like having her around shes kind like a feathered puppy. She is much quieter than the buffs as well.

I wanted good egg layers that were sweet natured and Im really pleased with the hens I got. Good luck with your future chicken adventures

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! We're happy to have you join us!