HI, I'm from nashville,Tn. and would like to start raising chickens

[claudia777]

again. The first time I tried, they were eaten by something. My husband and I thought our chicken house was very secure, but i guess not, something got to them somehow.

I was wondering if getting a burro would help. With the economy, we are really looking at growing more of our own food, and such.

I would prefer egg laying chickens, we had some that were a bit aggressive last time.

We live in the country, but we are on a very limited income, my husband is self employed and work is SLOW, and I'm on disability and can't do a lot of work, such as lifting, bending, etc.

So we need to start slow, cheap and low maintenace.

Any suggestions on how to do this right would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
By the way typing is also hard for me so I can't respond to evryone, so I thank you all in advance for your understanding to my limitations.

claudia

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

from East TN

 

[chick2good4u]

Quote:
First of all

I'm in Murfreesboro. I will have some EE chicks for sale in a couple weeks. Also, watch craigslist under farm+garden - you can get some good deals there. Also local feed stores such as TSC sometimes have chicks this time of year. If you get older birds make sure they look healthy and ask how old they are. Chickens lay fewer eggs the older they get. Good luck and have fun with them!

 

[FLOWERPOT]

Hi from Indiana!

Your best bet would be to get a dog that would stay with and gaurd the chickens like a Great Pyrenese

There are some breeds of chickens that are a lot more laid back than others. Buff Orps are one that are also good egg layers

 

[claudia777]

Hi Flowerpot,
Are those the little fluffy ones? You can tell I don't know much about chickens! It's been about 13yrs. since we tried this. I love dogs, and I just couldn't leave one out by the barn all the time, it would end up a house dog.

I know people who have them, and they are great for keeping predators away, but I've always wanted a burro and I've heard they are good as well, llamas are suppose to be too.

My husband want's chicken for food as well,I'm avegetarian, so I'm the one who wants the egg layers.

thanks,

Claudia

PS I know this is sort of off topic, but I my dog just got bit and scraped up by an opposum(which is how we lost all our chickens before) do you know if they carry rabies? I'll call the vet in the morning, but I'm really worried.
Thanks again.

 

[Judy]

Possums don't carry rabies, or it is extremely rare, and if your dog has a rabies shot every year, he wouldn't get sick if the possum did have rabies.

 

[claudia777]

Thanks bsaffles and chick2good4u.

We need to re-do our coop, and wait for more work to come in, so I'm not sure if we will be able to start this year, but I want to start getting some expert info and advice, so we can do it right this time.

Thanks for your advice and help.

by the way I live out in Dickson, about 45min. west of Nashville.

 

[crtrlovr]

Opossums CAN carry rabies, but it isn't as common as with skunks. Some antibiotic ointment would be a good idea until you can get it in to see the vet if necessary. Possums are nearly as bad as raccoons for getting chickens; unless you have a REALLY secure run & coop/sleeping area, they will find a way to get your chickens. Chickens seem to be very instinct driven NOT to make noise when it's dark, so sometimes they are even killed sitting on the roost or on their nests.

As for the "little fluffy ones" chickens, are you possibly talking about Silkies? Their feathers aren't hard-shafted; they're more like hair. They're beautiful little puff-balls! I'd love to have some of the buff and partridge color ones. I just recently got 4 white hens and 1 splash roo. *eagerly awaiting Silkie babies!!*

I hope you find some chickens that fit your needs, and last but not least, WELCOME!!

 

[claudia777]

ddawn,

My dog has had cancer so we get him his shot every 3 yrs., that's how long they last, even though most states have them get it each yr.

I'ts just about time, that his vaccine has expired. I cleaned it well with alcohol and put anti-biotic ointment on it, so I pray he's alright.

Of course the opposum was fine curled up on our porch. My husband tried to catch it but it got away. Since it's late and it looked healthy, I'm hoping it was rabies free.

thanks.

 

[claudia777]

crtrlovr,

Silkies that's it, thanks.

We had Arakannas (sp?) I think. and one really aggressive rooster! He use to kick me, he took a plug out of my leg. I don't know what he was, but I don't want another one like that! I could hardly feed them, he'd attack me, every day.

We have lot's to learn, so thanks evryone for all the help.
i need to stop typing I'm getting really tight (I have neck, shoulder problems), but will read all posts thanks for the warm welcome!

claudia