newchickintown1 ~ Welcome to the Indiana Thread!
You are not the only one on the thread with no chickens. Many members and lurkers actively read posts and ask questions in preparation for getting chickens.
The most important issue is finding out if it's legal for you to have chickens, especially since you already have a neighbor who has made up her mind against chickens based on ignorance. Cities, counties, and townships all have different ordinances and many aren't logical. Some ordinances count total pets-- in the Evansville city limits for example, you can have 6 pets (no roosters)-- 4 chickens and 2 dogs that must be registered. Luckily, I live just outside the city limits and I can have as many chickens as I'd like-- and roos. (However, I have a small flock since I live in a subdivision).
The next important issue is to Read & Research first! You are smart seek our thread for help. There is SO much to learn about chickens. My personal advice is to start with 4-6 chicks, each a different breed (more interesting that way), but it's easier if they're the same size -- either LF (Large Fowl) or Bantam size. Research different breeds-- there are tons-- but some have better availability than others. Besides having your brooder ready, have your coop ready because they grow quickly. You can actually see changes each day.
Our members are helpful, but you can also find specific information by going to Search This Thread at the bottom or at the top of this page. The main BYC site has numerous categories of information as well. Keep us posted! We are glad you joined us.
Here is information for new members and anyone else interested:
About the Indiana Thread~
To participate on the Indiana Thread, we ask that you follow byc.com’s rules for family-friendly posts. We have members of all ages. Our thread is known for being very active because our members are supportive, respectful of each other’s opinions, interesting, and fun! The Indiana Thread is a diverse group of fantastic members who range from newbies to experienced chicken owners, those who raise chickens for healthful food, and others who enjoy chickens as pets. And we love photos! Posts are not limited to the topic of chickens. There is no such thing as a “dumb” question! Whatever your questions may be, we likely have members who can help you.
Do you want to be listed on the Indiana BYC Members’ List?
“Being a member of this thread” just means adding your screen name and flock info, which can be helpful because the list is a spreadsheet format that lets you sort the list by breed, county, or other category. It’s an easy way to find other members who have the same breed you have or who live in a nearby county, etc.
Click on this link: INDIANA BYC Members' List Look at the bottom of the list page for sorting options. (This link is also located below my signature on my posts and several other members' posts).
If you’d like to be added, send a PM (personal message) by simply placing your cursor over my screen name: Mother2Hens, and you will see “Send a PM.” bradselig and CRSelvey (Cheryl) actually add the info, so you can PM either one of them directly, too-- whatever is the easiest for you. A personal message ensures that your info is added. Please send your screen name, county, and city. Also include the following information about each member of your flock: List each species (chicken, duck, etc.), breed (Barred Rock, Blue Cochin, etc.), is it a LF (Large Fowl) or Bantam? If you breed, please include the species. If you have any questions about this thread, please PM jchny2000 (Janet) who is the founder (thread starter) of this group.
Information on a variety of topics including health issues~ Indiana BYC'ers Members, Events, & Links (This link is also located below my signature on my posts and several other members' posts).
Indiana County Map for instant member location/Avatars
If anyone would like a map of your county, like the one on my avatar, I will be happy to provide one. If someone wants a combo map and a chicken or an animal for your avatar, I can put that together for you, just PM me. When I read posts, many times I think “Now where are they from?” I look at the city and still have no idea what part of the state they’re from. The map icon with the county in red because you could quickly glance and see where the member who is posting is from. These avatars are not required-- they are just a free service if you’re interested.
Avatar Updates
If members would like me to change the photo(s) on their avatars, just PM me. Someone might have a picture of a chick that has grown into a hen (or a roo!) and would like to update the photo or someone might like something totally different.
Volunteers Needed
We're always in need of helpful members to compile or update information or to work on special events. Volunteer as little or as much as your schedule allows. It's nothing formal; just pitch in when you can. We also welcome ideas that you'd like to pursue. Just PM jchny2000, Mother2Hens, bradselig, or CRSelvey for more information. Thank you.
BYC Indiana Google Map for detailed information
Cluck Acres (Curtis) set up a Google Map for just us INDIANA BYC’ers. You must first log on to your Google account or make a Google account. (If you have gmail, just use your gmail password). All you have to do is go to this link....http://goo.gl/maps/UShV6 . Here are the directions. You will see the state of Indiana.. Zoom in to where you live and then click on the red button that says Edit. After you click Edit you will see a hand, blue pin point and a zig zag line on the map. Click the pin point and drag it to where you live on the map. After you have placed your pin point then click on it and you can edit your description by adding your county. If you want to change your blue pin point to another icon or upload your own then up on the right of that box click the pin point icon and choose others or upload your own icon. If anyone has problems with this feel free to ask.
This information is submitted periodically by Mother2Hens
