After much searching and frustration with the notion that I had to choose between getting what I want or getting quality birds, I found a local hatchery that offers "better quality" sexed pullets and carries nearly all of the many breeds I wanted to try my first time out. I've decided that the list is close enough to perfect and I can always add later, right? ;-) The experience so far is overwhelmingly positive and I'm hopeful that this is the best purchasing option for my first order. I'm very pleased that I'll be able to go pick up a box of newly-hatched chicks with the family on a Saturday that haven't endured a trip through the postal service and don't have unwanted cockerels keeping them warm. As a bonus, the higher price of the peeps is fully offset by not having to pay shipping or small order fees. In fact, they're treating me like anything but a small order. It's awesome!
Construction of the coop begins SOON (temps in the 50s forecast for this weekend!) I have a self-contained brooder box that could be set up in the garage if we get down to the wire but I'm hoping that 7 weeks is enough time to get it done and I can put the box in the coop right from the start. The brooder box has a removable side so I can then transition the chicks with minimal stress to free range of the coop when they outgrow their initial space.
Oh, I can't wait!
Construction of the coop begins SOON (temps in the 50s forecast for this weekend!) I have a self-contained brooder box that could be set up in the garage if we get down to the wire but I'm hoping that 7 weeks is enough time to get it done and I can put the box in the coop right from the start. The brooder box has a removable side so I can then transition the chicks with minimal stress to free range of the coop when they outgrow their initial space.
Oh, I can't wait!
