We are always looking for answers about our chickens and learning something new all the time. This is perfect. I got the hankering to get chickens a few years ago when some friends had them and I began to do a little research. I love eggs and love animals so my interest grew. My wife thought I was nuts, but her love of animals won her over quickly. She now enters the home with "How are our babies doing?" We got our first six chickens 2 years ago. I built a small coop attached to the side of our backyard shed with access to the nesting boxes from the shed. 2 of our first group ended up being Roosters which I quickly learned would not workout, when I came home and they had bloodied each other. Our backyard is fenced in, so we are able to let them free range. We have 3 children and its been a great learning experience for them as well as entertainment for all our friends. Our initial group was 2 Rhode Island reds, 2 Aracauna, and 2 Barred Rock. We added this past May 3 Buff Orpington, 1 Americana, and 1 Rhode Island. We still have 1 Rooster that rules the backyard but is my wife's favorite, he eats out of her hand and loves her to pick him up. I on the other hand have to be careful not to turn my back on him We also have an Australian Shepard, and 2 cats and everyone amazingly gets along (or at least tolerates on another). I added this temporary run outside the shed as we slowly introduce new chickens to the flock. We love our chickens!
