just wanted to say hello

[mrhill]

Hello, BYC. My name is Mike. I have been married to my lovely bride for over 19 years. We have seven kids (yes, they are all ours). My bride decided she wanted chickens, so thats where I come in. I have been reading and google chickens every since. I stumbled across your website and absolutely love it. You all have created a great community. How ever, I believe that I may be in over my head. I don't know what type of chicken or how many to start with or how big to build our coop. We use between 5 or 6 dozen a month. The chickens need to be somewhat easy going because we have a troop of small kids. I would really appreciate any info to make our decision easier.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Glad you joined.

I come from a big family too.

From my experience Orpington and Australorps are great. They are duel purpose breeds, they lay very well, and if you ever wanted to they are good for eating. They are very sweet and docile too. Check out the Learning Center here on BYC. Good Luck!!!

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Well, I think you should start with the Coops section for some fabulous coop designs and plans and let your bride check out this chicken chart to see what breeds are available, their characteristics and egg colours:

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

And both of you have a browse through the Learning Center here for an introduction to chickens. Have fun and if you have questions or need help just yell. We're here...

 

[theoldchick]

 

[sourland]

Mike, welcome to BYC. One recommendation - with really small children don't keep any roosters. Good luck with your endeavor.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, mrhill, and

! Pleased you joined us! You have asked some good questions. You will get as many answers about "the" breed to get as there are breeds - everyone has their favorite. I concur with sumi's advice about checking out the chicken chart. Good luck to you and your birds!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Love the Henderson Chicken Chart. I find my Basques (Euskal Oiloa) to be personable and good layers.

X2 about the rooster.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!!