Thanks for the welcome, Cathy and Gayle!
Here are the few shots that I have of our future barn. We go again next Wednesday to do the property inspection, so I will be able to get some more pictures and details about the condition of the barn. It is about 50 yards from the house, with a blacktop driveway that goes right up to the main level. Inside, there is a little structure that might be a good start for a chicken coop, but I didn't get any pictures of it yet. The lower level opens out into the coral, which is just a vinyl split rail fence right now. Inside the lower level, there are stalls and lots of debris that will have ro be removed before we can figure it all out. It's also inhabited by several nests of barn swallows right now... you go in and there are birds flying all around. I think this used to be a pig farm at one point.
BARN FROM THE DRIVE:
BARN DOOR AT DRIVEWAY (yes it needs to be cleaned out a little):
BARN FROM THE SIDE:
We will have 6 acres. Behind our property is another almost 30 acres that are also for sale, but out of our price range. They are filled with strawberries (rented out) now.
BACKYARD (you can see the neighbors on one side):
I think we're going to like it here, and hopefully chickens will be too.
I am still deciding which types of chickens to get. My intent is to eventually sell fresh eggs and supplement our income. With 2 small children, I'm hoping to find chickens that will be gentle enough for them to help with the care, and even consider them as family pets (or at least not be terrified of them). DH is also pretty scared of chickens, so I don't want to have everyone scared to go in the barn. I really want to get a variety, and love the idea of different colors of eggs, but am most concerned about temperment. Anyway, I want to end up with a bunch of chickens in different colors and maybe even some bantams. I have to confess that the more I read, the more confused I get about what to get. I'm kind of an "all or nothing" person, so I'm ready to jump right in and get 50 chickens and get our egg business going. Do people buy bantam eggs? How small are they? I guess my priorities are: egg production (but not mean), gentle, and pretty to look at. Also, if we get up to 25-50 chickens, will we still be able to get to know them personally? Should we start out with a few and just keep adding more?
I would love to let them run loose on the property, but am not sure how practical that is, and don't want them to get run over on our busy street. Our yard is set back a little from the road, so maybe that won't be a problem. If you let them just run loose during the day (as adults, of course), do they ruin your lawn? DH is so excited to have a big lawn, and won't be happy if it gets ruined by chickens. How far will they roam from the barn? I hope to become fast friends with that one neighbor, but if that's not possible, I'll have to find a way to keep them out of his yard.
Well, I think that's enough questions for now. Are there local sources for assorted baby chicks, or should I order by mail? I was looking at the "All Pullet Rainbow Pack" from Meyer Hatchery, and maybe some bantams from them too.
Sorry to be write a novel. I value your expert opinions, so please guide me! I can't wait to get started!
