KaleoKolea
In the Brooder
Hello- Kaleo here!
After a few weeks of lurking on this forum and searching through old posts, I decided to finally sign up so I can join in on the conversation! I currently live on the Big Island with my husband and son. We're working on building our property into a fully sustainable farm so we can have food independence and extra income. I look forward to learning from everyone!
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
I'm not exactly new to chickens, but I'm new to chickens in this kind of environment. Growing up, we lived in a climate that wasn't friendly to disease, and we had very few chickens ever fall ill, even though they were all free range. Because the chickens of my childhood were so low maintenance, I know some basics that are adapted to a cold, dry environment, but that is about it.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
We currently have 25 chickens! Our end goal is to have 30 consistent layers.
(3) What breeds do you have?
We have quite the mix! There are a dozen 8 week old chicks that are a mix of rhode island reds, black sex link, and barred rock. We also have six 7 week old buff rocks. We also have 7 adult rescue chickens, that are a mix of reddish and blackish looking chickens and we have no idea what they are.
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
I love having fresh eggs! I also never get tired of chicken vocalizations and personalities- even the obnoxious roosters. Chickens really do give you a big return on your efforts and are just super rewarding animals to raise. We are also loving the fertilizer they provide to this extremely alkaline soil!
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
I love gathering/foraging, experimental cooking, music and art, hiking, and animal training. I have a free-flighted parrot who is highly tried and gets to enjoy freedom outdoors equally as much as the comforts of indoor life.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I help manage social media teams for a telecomm company, and I love my work! My husband manages the farm full time, and home schools our son through a locally run distance learning program. We also have two cats (Starbuck and Krispy Kreme), two dogs (Momo and Ginger), two goats (Coraline and леший, pronounced Leshia), and the parrot, Jasper.
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community?
Ever since we got our first batch of chicks a few weeks ago, I've been lurking this forum and the old threads for general troubleshooting and health advice. I figured I might as well actually join so I can ask questions specifically and contribute to the conversation.
After a few weeks of lurking on this forum and searching through old posts, I decided to finally sign up so I can join in on the conversation! I currently live on the Big Island with my husband and son. We're working on building our property into a fully sustainable farm so we can have food independence and extra income. I look forward to learning from everyone!
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
I'm not exactly new to chickens, but I'm new to chickens in this kind of environment. Growing up, we lived in a climate that wasn't friendly to disease, and we had very few chickens ever fall ill, even though they were all free range. Because the chickens of my childhood were so low maintenance, I know some basics that are adapted to a cold, dry environment, but that is about it.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
We currently have 25 chickens! Our end goal is to have 30 consistent layers.
(3) What breeds do you have?
We have quite the mix! There are a dozen 8 week old chicks that are a mix of rhode island reds, black sex link, and barred rock. We also have six 7 week old buff rocks. We also have 7 adult rescue chickens, that are a mix of reddish and blackish looking chickens and we have no idea what they are.
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
I love having fresh eggs! I also never get tired of chicken vocalizations and personalities- even the obnoxious roosters. Chickens really do give you a big return on your efforts and are just super rewarding animals to raise. We are also loving the fertilizer they provide to this extremely alkaline soil!
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
I love gathering/foraging, experimental cooking, music and art, hiking, and animal training. I have a free-flighted parrot who is highly tried and gets to enjoy freedom outdoors equally as much as the comforts of indoor life.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I help manage social media teams for a telecomm company, and I love my work! My husband manages the farm full time, and home schools our son through a locally run distance learning program. We also have two cats (Starbuck and Krispy Kreme), two dogs (Momo and Ginger), two goats (Coraline and леший, pronounced Leshia), and the parrot, Jasper.
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community?
Ever since we got our first batch of chicks a few weeks ago, I've been lurking this forum and the old threads for general troubleshooting and health advice. I figured I might as well actually join so I can ask questions specifically and contribute to the conversation.
Glad you joined.
