I'm fairly new to chickens and looking to learn as much as I can. I started with a Naked Neck hen that just showed up on my doorstep one night. I had been terrified of chickens until Henrietta came into my life. She was special and had belonged to a gentleman who lived a couple houses down. I think she was about 5 months old at the time. He said he didn't want her because he could not keep her in the coop and could not catch her. So, she and I became best friends. Sadly one day he decided to scoop her up and then gave her and all his other chickens away. I miss her so much! Now I have 12 chickens. I have 2, 5 month old Orphingtons, 4, 2 month old Speckled Sussex and 6, 3 week old Plymouth Rock Barres. These guys are for my nephews agriculture class. They must be ready for show by March. I also have 6 cats. 3 are feral. They are so sweet. They do not run from me, but will not let me touch them. I have 2 crazy ferrets as well. They keep me entertained and busy! I love spending time with my birds. My Splash Orphington cockrell is Clementine and my pride and joy. I was disappointed when I heard that first crow, but also excited. He is HUGE! Everyone is telling me I should enter him in the poultry show, but I have no idea how to train him to be ready. Stella is his coop mate. She is a Lavendar Orphington. She's a little skittish, but getting better. I want to allow them free range, but after losing Henrietta I am afraid to. I don't have a fenced area for them so I am also worried about them going to far away and getting injured or worse. I'm working on it. I am getting a new coop today for the youngsters and I am gradually introducing the Speckled Sussex to the coop. I think I might have 2 more roosters in that group, even though they were labled as sexed and hens only. I will love them anyway! This photo is not the best one of Clementine... this was a bad day for him. He almost bled out. This is when I discovered just how much I love my birds.
Best of luck with your flock!
to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
