I'm new at raising just about everything. I have always wante to raise chickens among other animals and know its going to be an adventure especially at the beginning. I am 25 and work as a firefighter/paramedic so I'll have plenty of time to devote as long as a very supporing boyfriend that is just as excited as I am to start a more self sufficient life. I am finally moving to a place that allows me to raise what I want and live the way I've dreamed of. I am a true newbie when it comes to chickens. On my property there is an existing coop that needs some TLC and hopefully with some help and direction from the fine people on this site I will successfully raise chickens for eggs and meat. Any pointers for a newbie would be greatly appreciated. I have thought about starting from scratch and hatching my own eggs so I experience the whole process and continuing to hatch chicks from my existing chickens once I get the whole thing going. Any thoughts/ suggestions/ advice/ on what breeds to get, how to get started, and how to be successful at this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! 
