Hi everyone!

[cmpembro]

Thank you everyone for posting so much great info! I am about to embark on getting chickens and trying to learn everything I can. Anything you wish someone mentioned to you before you got started?

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! A good place to start is BYC's Learning Center. You will find lots of useful information there. If you have any specific questions, just post them on the forum, and I'm sure you'll receive lots of replies. What kind of chickens are you planning to get?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Good luck with planning for your chickens!! We'd love to help! Here's some links to help you get started.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/advice-for-first-time-chicken-owners
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/getting-started-raising-chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...s-in-your-city-the-basics-of-raising-chickens

What breeds are you getting? Are you getting them as chicks or adults? If you are getting them as chicks remember to watch out for pasty butt and lower the brooder temp by five degrees each week. Here are some links about raising baby chicks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-socialize-baby-chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/first-time-chicken-keep-questions-and-anwers
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/feeding-at-different-ages

Glad you joined and best wishes!!

 

[cmpembro]

I am only able to get three, maybe four chickens as I live in a city where they aren't legal (but they only do something about it if your neighbors complain). I am thinking of getting an Autralorpe, and Ameraucana and a third that is a fairly consistent layer.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

I am only able to get three, maybe four chickens as I live in a city where they aren't legal (but they only do something about it if your neighbors complain). I am thinking of getting an Autralorpe, and Ameraucana and a third that is a fairly consistent layer. 

You're right on with breeds! Australorps,Ameracanuas/Easter eggers are hardy, super docile, confinement bearers, usually quiet and affectionate. For the third I recommend the buff Orpington. They are friendly, curious, great layers and very affectionate.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

 

[cmpembro]

Thanks for the suggestion! I think Orpingtons sound great. I am trying to get my husband to get on board with this idea. He's fine with having them but not yet into it and I think affectionate breeds are most likely to win him over We'll see how it goes!

 

[Michael OShay]

I am only able to get three, maybe four chickens as I live in a city where they aren't legal (but they only do something about it if your neighbors complain). I am thinking of getting an Autralorpe, and Ameraucana and a third that is a fairly consistent layer.

Black Australorps are a terrific breed; very hardy, calm and gentle, and the best layers of the standard brown egg laying breeds. True Ameraucanas are uncommon and rather expensive, but Easter Eggers are readily available and inexpensive. They will outlay the true Ameraucana and will lay eggs in other colors than just blue. If you are not familiar with the difference in the two, there is a good article at http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/09/ameraucana-easter-egger-or-araucana.html explaining the differences. Mountain Peeps recommendation of Buff Orpingtons is a good one as well. They have the same calm and gentle temperaments as the Australorps (not surprising since Australorps were originally bred from Orpingtons with the goal of an increase in egg production). Whatever breeds you decide to get, good luck with your flock.

 

[cmpembro]

Would these breeds do well enough in the heat? I live in Houston and it get's pretty hot more than half the year. I plan to place the coop and run in the shade of a large live oak tree so it should be shaded all day but I am still concerned for them.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Would these breeds do well enough in the heat? I live in Houston and it get's pretty hot more than half the year. I plan to place the coop and run in the shade of a large live oak tree so it should be shaded all day but I am still concerned for them.

Yes, they are heat hardy.