Okay, I'm in the USAF, and just stationed here, but "howdy" seems appropriate!
Being a Dad... I mean, a sucker,
I fell for my twin's suggestion after viewing a TSC ad to become a backyard chicken rancher. Okay, okay, it was mostly my idea! We picked up six assorted pullets (I suspect three are Buff Orpingtons, and three white ?) at a TSC store out of town, but had to stop by our local store to pick up a small feeder I forgot to get. Of course, they had just received their stock of Dominique pullets, so we got a "six pack" of those too.
So, here it is almost two weeks later, and ALL are doing FABULOUSLY!! Only one pasty rear end a few days ago which was quickly cured thanks to advice I learned here!
I immediately built a 5' x 3' brooder based on a design I also found here, moved the chicks from the spare bedroom into the garage at one week, and CAN NOT BELIEVE how fast they grow!! No reference prepared me for that!! I figured I would have at least a few more days to move them into my home-made brooder so I'm glad I finished it early. The brooder took two more days to complete than I planned since I had a brutal dental appointment about half way through the build, but the twins and I did it.
Anyway, this is my first adventure in chickens. I've been lurking here for the past two weeks learning all I can, and try to spend time learning more every day. The plan to move them into a coop is already in progress as I just bought an 8' x 6', "display" shed off the local Lowe's lot Friday afternoon. Wow! At least this hobby will pay me back -- I hope!! Seriously, I got a really great deal on the shed. Much less than if I was to even use a canned plan, or copy the design. I sure have a bunch of work to do on the shed, however.
Pictures to follow as soon as I put my time in, but until then I'll try to keep you posted, and look forward to all the advice I can get.
Mark
Being a Dad... I mean, a sucker,
So, here it is almost two weeks later, and ALL are doing FABULOUSLY!! Only one pasty rear end a few days ago which was quickly cured thanks to advice I learned here!
I immediately built a 5' x 3' brooder based on a design I also found here, moved the chicks from the spare bedroom into the garage at one week, and CAN NOT BELIEVE how fast they grow!! No reference prepared me for that!! I figured I would have at least a few more days to move them into my home-made brooder so I'm glad I finished it early. The brooder took two more days to complete than I planned since I had a brutal dental appointment about half way through the build, but the twins and I did it.
Anyway, this is my first adventure in chickens. I've been lurking here for the past two weeks learning all I can, and try to spend time learning more every day. The plan to move them into a coop is already in progress as I just bought an 8' x 6', "display" shed off the local Lowe's lot Friday afternoon. Wow! At least this hobby will pay me back -- I hope!! Seriously, I got a really great deal on the shed. Much less than if I was to even use a canned plan, or copy the design. I sure have a bunch of work to do on the shed, however.
Pictures to follow as soon as I put my time in, but until then I'll try to keep you posted, and look forward to all the advice I can get.
Mark
