Hi there, I'm new to this

[Mals86]

(1) I've been planning to get some chickens for a couple of years. Talked to my husband about it (like, "I'd like to get some chickens next spring," and he went off and BOUGHT A CHICKEN HOUSE. Second hand, but still. It's been sitting in the shop lot next to the house for two years, waiting for chickens). We have a farm and raise beef cattle, but have never had chickens.

(2) However, our farm guy just called and said, "Hey, I'm going to an auction this Saturday, and if you still want young hens I'll get you some." So they're coming. This Saturday. Yikes.

(3) I don't know which breed he's going to get me. I wanted Barred Rocks, but I expect there's a possibility that I could wind up with Dominiques or RI Reds instead since it depends on what's available.

(4) Back when I was researching what it would take to care for chickens, I ran across lots of good advice at this site. Seemed like a no-brainer to join.

(5) Other hobbies include crocheting, blogging about perfume, and writing novels.

(6) I don't take care of cows; I take care of the farm books instead. But I'm home all day and I expect I'll be outside getting to know the chicken ladies when they get here!
Husband teaches ag business at Virginia Tech and farms in the summer. Daughter just finished college, now has a job and is living with us while she saves some money. Older son is at VA Tech. Younger son is in HS. We also have a crazy dog who *desperately* wants to go play with our neighbor's goats, so he has an Invisible Fence and is pretty good about staying within the yard, but I know if he gets out of the yard the chickens might be dinner, so I'll be on guard against that.

NOW. I'm sure I'll enjoy getting to talk to some of you who have lots of experience as well as other newbies. Anyone have any advice for me?

 

[ronott1]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Finally The Coop will be used!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Mals86 Welcome!

Thank you for a great introduction I envy you your patience, no way I could have waited two years!

I also hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you include your general location on your profile, this will assist others. Location, climate, season etc can be important factors when members are responding to any questions you may have and vice versa.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

BYC has a Learning Centre and also Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. These three in particular may be of assistance at this stage:
Topic of the Week - Getting Started, Keeping Chickens
Topic of the Week - Keeping the Flock Safe from Predators
Topic of the Week - Dogs and chickens

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[N F C]

Ready or not, here they come! I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[Kessel23]

 

[Plip]

(1) I've been planning to get some chickens for a couple of years. Talked to my husband about it (like, "I'd like to get some chickens next spring," and he went off and BOUGHT A CHICKEN HOUSE.

That sounds familiar. My wife has learned to be careful what she says. Last spring she mentioned she would like a greenhouse. Then she was out of town for a couple of days. When she got home, I had it half built.

Welcome to BYC! Great to have you here!

 

[MrsMistyReal]

Welcome aboard to BYC family gr8 people tons of information loads of fun enjoy shake your tail feathers

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYC! So glad you joined us. There's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

Hope you enjoy the site!

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here ! I believe @CapricornFarm is in your area.

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)

 

[K813ZRA]

Welcome to byc. Advice, well, chicken keeping can be very addictive so keep that in mind! Chicken math catches up with you in a hurry. I started with 18 and ended up with 50 birds quickly and I have 25 more on order plus 100 quail and for whatever reason I have an incubator coming too...

Have fun, that is all you need to do!