Live in the Pacific Northwest; new to keeping chickens myself although my DH has kept them for many years. Sadly, of the 20 I started with in 2013 - only 5 survived the Great Predator Attack(s) of my first year. Raised another 5 this spring (2014) and plan to add another 5 in the spring of 2015.
There was a rooster in the original 20, a handsome thing - somewhat aggressive (I used a garbage can lid as a shield, lol) but it was his loudness in the wee hours (and being new to the neighborhood) that kept me from replacing him.
I am working very hard to build a new and improved coop/garden shed; and use the chain link fencing from the dog kennel to better protect the Run area. It's July and I feel like I'm running out of time to get everything built and ready for the flock to use before the Fall (when there aren't as many bunnies and the predators begin to close in).
I have a list of folks at work that look forward to my bringing in a carton each week to sell - not making a profit - but it's fun to share.
I am always looking to educate myself about "my girls", their care and feeding and want to develop good coop-keeping habits.
Enjoy your flock!
There was a rooster in the original 20, a handsome thing - somewhat aggressive (I used a garbage can lid as a shield, lol) but it was his loudness in the wee hours (and being new to the neighborhood) that kept me from replacing him.
I am working very hard to build a new and improved coop/garden shed; and use the chain link fencing from the dog kennel to better protect the Run area. It's July and I feel like I'm running out of time to get everything built and ready for the flock to use before the Fall (when there aren't as many bunnies and the predators begin to close in).
I have a list of folks at work that look forward to my bringing in a carton each week to sell - not making a profit - but it's fun to share.
I am always looking to educate myself about "my girls", their care and feeding and want to develop good coop-keeping habits.
Enjoy your flock!
and Welcome To BYC!
