I'm finally adopting some chickens!!

[Tina D]

I am so excited! After 2 years of wanting to have a few chickens in the backyard, it's finally going to happen! I took the plunge and met with a very nice lady who was advertising on Craigslist. She has a farm, and is selling some chickens and chicks. She gave me tons of great info. I think I can do this!! I'm a bit nervous, mainly about predators. But I think it'll be OK. I've taken a lot of time, and feel like I've done my research. My husband and kids will help, too.

Once my coop is set, I'll go pick up my birds! The lady has a 4 year old hen, who is incredibly sweet. She has some arthritis to her hip, so she needs a little extra TLC. We (including my 2 children) all held and cuddled her, and she was absolutely eating it up! When we clucked softly to her, she was "responding" back! Aww! She is a buff colored Orpington. Gorgeous! Along with her, I think we'll be choosing another 2 birds. I'm not exactly sure if we'll get babies or birds that are a little older. Since the seller knows her animals very well, I'll ask her to help me choose some friends that will mesh well with the hen.

Anyway, just wanted to share my excitement!

Tina

 

[CountryRoosterUSA]

from N.W. Tennessee

You'll find alot of good info on here to help you with your new girls.
Good luck and enjoy

 

[MSDeb]

Welcome to BYC, glad you decided to join us. Good luck with your birds once you get them.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. Just be careful that you are not getting birds that are no longer producing. A four yr. old hen with arthritis is on the downside of laying, if she is laying at all. If you look at the bird's legs a pullet that has not started to lay yet will have bright colored legs. (It's harder to tell on the dark legged birds). If she is already laying, the legs will be more pail. Look at the eyes, a young bird has bright eyes and an older hen's eyes, you can just tell that they have been around a while. Good luck.

 

[cackydoodledoo]

and congrats!! Make sure you keep the farmer lady's phone number because you will need it once chicken math sets in!!!!

 

[Tina D]

Thanks, everyone!

The 4 year old girl does still lay an egg every day or two, according to the seller. I'm not too concerned, though. The girls will be pets, mainly. The eggs will only be an added bonus!

Tina

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama.

 

[Desert Rooster]

Hello

and

from Hesperia,Ca

 

[Katydid2011]

Hello from Oregon and welcome to BYC!

 

[Attack Chicken]

from Indiana!!!