Indiana newbie

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Sumphead

In the Brooder
Dec 28, 2023
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Hey all! Thanks for having me. After 20+ years in Indianapolis, this Alabama boy and his lovely wife have moved into the wilds and cornfield oceans of west central Indiana. I have a few acres and a barn, desperately awaiting spring. I know nothing of chickens, so doing my research before jumping in.

From the template:
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
Brand new!

(5) What are some of your other hobbies?

Music. I’m a terrible musician, but I love the guitar. Hoping to add BYC and gardening to the list.

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
Wife of 25 years and a 19 yo basement dweller. I don’t have any pets, but my wife has a few cats…. 🤣. We were told there were a couple barn cats. So far we’ve counted 7. We have raised orphaned raccoons for years and have to re-establish in the new county.

for anyone local, I’m crawfordsville/lafayette-ish. I’d love some pointers. I appreciate it!

(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community? :D

Facebook group. Im an avid researcher before jumping in. Not sure how well baby raccoons and chickens will work, but we’ll find out.
 

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Hiya, and welcome to BYC!! :frow I love raccoons and my aunt had a pet one too, but on the farm I grew up on, and this one now, they became an enemy as they love to eat eggs and chickens. Hopefully, you can figure out a way to keep them away from each other. 🦝🐥

If you hadn't seen it, we have a great Learning Center which has tons of info. There are sections on coops, runs, and you name it!
 
LOVE the raccoon photo. My aunt and uncle kept a pet raccoon for years. The biggest downside was that Snoopy would open the kitchen cabinets and rip all the labels off the canned goods. No one was ever quite sure what we would be eating at Aunt Shirley's.

Yes, everyone is right that raccoons and chickens aren't a good mix. HOWEVER, many folks who have dogs and/or cats are able to successfully protect their birds from their four-legged pets, and you will also be able to.

I don't know about predators in Alabama, but as a lifelong Midwestern girl, I can assure you that all kinds of chicken-killers live in those cornfields, so hardware cloth will be your best friend. And, your raccoons' nimble fingers have already shown you that it's necessary to have multiple or locking latches on your coops and runs.

Having said all that, it's wonderful that you doing research before you add chickens. This is a great community of knowledgeable and generous folks who will help you with challenges, cheer your successes and, most likely, add a lot of fun to your new adventures.

Welcome to BYC! Let us know, please, when you get your chickens!
 

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