I am brand new to this, and lovin it.

[paul67]

I bought four 1 week old pullets, two buff orpingtons, one light brahma, and one ameraucana and have almost completed the hen house and am working on their fenced yard,will post pics adventually. I am in southern California and am debating getting an automatic door opener/closer (advertised on this site) for protection against racoons, opposums and other pests. I am wondering if anyone has experience with these, pros/cons.
I love the site and have learned alot already.

 

[bayouchica]

Hi there & welcome to BYC. You can't go wrong with those Buff Orps, they are the sweetest.
I don't know a thing about the auto door thing.

Anyways, nice to have ya.
Miriam

 

[paul67]

Thanks Miriam, about the orpingtons. Are they good layers?

 

[missusduray]

I also have orpingtons that are laying and yes, they are a good laying breed. Very consistent.
Kristyne

 

[paul67]

Thanks Kristyne. I am father of two as well. Son Nathan 4 1/2 yrs and son Kyler 7 1/2months. Nathans genius idea to get the chicks.

 

[missusduray]

My son is 3 1/2 and my daughter is one year. My kids think that the chicks are great. I fell in love with the buff orpingtons that I got free from my mother in law and i had to have chickies. I am enjoying the experience. How about you?
Kristyne

 

[paul67]

Its all I want to do. Iam spending way to much time on these girls. I cant wait to move them into their new quarters.

 

[missusduray]

I am a stay at home mom so I take care of kids and the pets and the house and now the chickens. I do all that and try to answer any questions on here that I can. When I was new here, it was frustrating not to get an answer. So I do my best to help others out.
I understand how you feel. I feel like I should be there with them all the time.
Kristyne

 

[schmoo]

It is strange how attached you become. I would've never thought that I could sit and watch some chickens for an hour and it would seem like a minute. They are so hilarious!!
I am just dying because I know some of mine are going to turn out to be roosters and I want maybe ONE. It kills me that some are going to have to go, but I just don't have enough room.

 

[ThunderStruck]

I was contemplating the auto door as well, but my only concern was it closing and not all of my girls making it in in time.

as for the chicks.....as a stay at home dad, and a caregiver to my mother i get to to spend a lot of time with em. most days its the most intelligent conversation i have all day