Just a new guy saying hi

[twarbington]

Just wanted to say hi! This sight kept popping up for different chicken questions I had so I decided to join! As of right now my flock includes no birds just my wife and I our 3 kids and a lovable lab.
I'm thinking about 6-8 chickens but honestly not sure if that it too many or not enough. I had no idea how many different breeds of chickens there are. I honestly thought a chicken was a chicken. Also looking at all of the different coop ideas. Really just here to gain some knowledge before jumping in.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are so glad you joined our flock.

Jump right in and make yourself at home.
Starting with 6 to 8 is a great idea.
Not all breeds are egg "production" type..
Some will lay almost daily and some with only lay a few eggs a week.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

 

[Parront]

Hi New Guy,
I am pretty new here too. I used to have chickens in the 80's, and like you am looking around before jumping back into a more extended flock

 

[JedJackson]

Welcome. Ask away-- there are always people in here willing to share and help. You might also want to get a book or two to help you learn. Often you can find good ones at really good prices at Goodwill or other thrift stores, or online.

 

[lilmillefleur]

 

[Dayrel]

Welcome to BYC. There is plenty to learn here. You might want to check the coop area for ideas on design.

 

[Bobby Basham]

Just wanted to say hi! This sight kept popping up for different chicken questions I had so I decided to join! As of right now my flock includes no birds just my wife and I our 3 kids and a lovable lab.
I'm thinking about 6-8 chickens but honestly not sure if that it too many or not enough. I had no idea how many different breeds of chickens there are. I honestly thought a chicken was a chicken. Also looking at all of the different coop ideas. Really just here to gain some knowledge before jumping in.

Welcome, welcome, welcome!!! What part of the country do you live because some breeds do better in different climates. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

 

[Bobby Basham]

Hi New Guy,
I am pretty new here too. I used to have chickens in the 80's, and like you am looking around before jumping back into a more extended flock

I would say, explore the ENTIRE website. It covers everything from coop design, feeding, injuries, behaviors, breeds for meat/egg production and what regions do well for them...the list goes on. Do your homework on what works best for you. Every setup is unique, and some research will help you customize it. The reading is very educational and entertaining and you can't put a price on the knowledge offered here. You won't be disappointed. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

 

[twarbington]

Thank you all for the great advice and warm welcome!! I look forward to this new adventure!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC I'm a huge fan of heritage breeds--but I'll warn you that finding the more endangered breeds can be tough. In addition to this site I use the livestock conservancy to read about various breeds, then come back here and read the reviews. Recently, Temple Grandin compared back yard breeders to a living seed bank in a conservancy video. I guess we resemble that remark