we're definitely urban. downtown austin texas, three blocks east of the capitol. despite being downtown, we're in a quiet neighborhood dotted with veggie gardens and three (so far) families raising chickens. we are an organic household and the intent is to have both layers and broilers. We chose Delawares because, at least from what we've read, they're an old breed, dual purpose, slow growing, good tempered, not overly broody, tolerate heat/cold well, and my four year old daughter thinks they're cute. yes, I said broilers and she said cute. This is very much a work in progress. We're starting with eggs from organic chickens because we couldn't find organically raised Delaware chicks.
The yard is not big, but it's fenced and we plan to let the chickens have free run; the coop is shaded by a pecan tree, which should help keep them cooler during the summer months (9 of 12). We've got enough room to keep a dozen or so, if we get that ambitious.
as for perpetuating the flock and how often, I only have vague notions; I'd love to see a hen hatch chicks, but if not, I guess I'll have the incubator (I ordered the hovabator 1588 this morning
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