Mike...That's what I worry about with some forums. I have been in some forums on different things and there are allot of "know-it-alls" with BIG egos and that they always end up getting into arguments and name calling, etc. and then instead of being a nice constructive place, it turns into a place I have no interest in being.
That's why I like this forum so much for my chickens. I know I am new, but I have yet to read a post that defames someone else and I always see people trying to help others or share the good and bad experiences with each other. I truly wish all forums would follow what I have seen here as an example of what a forum should be.
Arklady...I am interested in many of the same things I was when I started here with chickens... coop design, brooding, how I can keep these birds in an area that has houses pretty close by. I live in an un-annexed portioned of a relatively small city so I can have farm animals, but my property is only 1/2 of an acre. I am not trying to have 100s of birds, but I have wanted to raise my own birds (for eggs/meat and just plain fun) for many years and I have finally got the chance. I know there will be certain things that will be more challenging than others due to my location than others, but if I keep things small, I believe that I can work with what I've got. I wanted to have guineas to use in the garden and so I don't have to use pesticides. I don't like to use chemicals if I can help it plus I am on a well and it is a shallow driven well because we have a shallow water table here and adding more chemicals just isn't a good idea.
Of course, with each of these species, comes different kinds on knowledge, needs, problems, etc. and although own and have ordered books on allot of this, I have to admit that I am not the best reader in the world because I tend to be somewhat dyslexic. Plus, it has been my experience that books can only take you so far. I can't ask a book a question, per say. I have always found that talking directly to people that have done something for a long time or have a great passion for something can be invaluable. Especially when you need an answer quickly like when it comes to medical issues and you either can't afford a vet or one isn't available...when you have a question about how to build a nest box or what size a chicken door should be...sometimes the things that might seem to be simple and might vary well be in a book are the answers that I need or want and can ask in a forum and get multiple answers from real experiences and reasons why someone has done something the way they have done it.
So, my long-winded answer summed up is that I just want to be able to talk with people that have experience and knowledge with these other birds (turkeys, peafowl and guineas) as the people here at BYC has with chickens. Like I said, I LOVE it here for chickens, but I also want to explore other species also.
Thank you for asking and thank you for listening.
I guess I am rambling, but I hope you get what I mean.
