Minnesota!

[Bogtown Chick]

I can't believe that "illegal flocks" is even something you can use in a sentence. What is wrong with people in general? How did flocks become illegal? I would love to live in a country where people can just live and not worry about being judged, criticized and fined for everything they do. It being labeled illegal just makes me want to do things more. Especially when its as ridiculous as my neighbors telling me what I can do on land I bought and pay taxes on.

Trust me as a "less government" kind of gal I believe in your sentiment. I'm very grateful I live where I live...because there are less rules here...

But the fact is is that neighbors complain and birds get taken away in cities that don't allow chickens.... and I like that even less. Many towns are rethinking their ordinances...I think with all the positive things that are associated with chicken keeping and research...people can change these laws in their cities. And not have this happen to them.

edited to comply with BYC rules.

 

[jbenson]

Super excited about my April hatches - so much better than my March ones. The weather really took a toll on my flock's fertility. And the girls refused to go outside until the snow was almost gone - just straight up refused, so I think they were depressed, not to mention the amount of eggs I set that I was unsure if they'd gotten to close to freezing.

Gotta put up a posting to sell some of these quick before my next batch is ready for lockdown! Got week old Mille Fleur d'Uccles in one brooder and brand newborn Ameraucana/Araucana bantam and Easter Egger bantam babies in the other with a few left to hatch. I love hatching and seeing what colors come out and snuggling their cute fuzziness. Only way DH will allow me to keep refilling the 'bator with eggs when space opens up is if I can sell them at least as fast as I can hatch them.

 

[Cebarmlds]

HELLO IM FROM MINNESOTA ALSO

Hey! good to have you here!!!

 

[RandomChicken]

Many of the standard breeds sold will sing an egg song or bock-bock loudly if threatened. Easter Eggers are flighty. My silkie has been on the quieter side.

And I'm a big fan of being neighborly and don't really condone illegal flocks, especially for the chickens' sake to be honest...

The probability that I would actually go through with it is extremely extremely low and if I would, both neighbors (with giant dogs that bark into the night), would have the opportunity to say no.

Really I just wanted to hear what you all would choose, about breeds and what would be things to consider...for conversation and learning...because it's better than being frustrated and sad about it.

 

[RandomChicken]

I think Bogtown has a good point, and trying to make it legal is in everyone's best interest. You don't know who the loud hens are until they lay that first egg, and my hens start announcing the birth of their round little baby in a shell, it gets the whole flock making a raucous. Of course, 200 is a lot louder than 5, but they are still loud.
That being said, I must ask, didn't you read my post about Buckeyes???? LOL They are a wonderful breed for the North, were bred to be so. They are good layers and very friendly and do handle confinement well. I selected the breeds I have with folks like you in mind, and the others I like are Welsummers, Cochins, Barnevelders, New Hampshires, and Orpingtons. I don't have as much issue with my Easter Eggers being flighty, it has a lot to do with what is going into them for bloodlines. I have some that have Cochin blood in them and they are pretty calm (and have feathered feet). Any white egg layer is pretty much going to be a crazy breed. I have Black Minorcas and they are spazzy, but I haven't had any as bad as Polish for crazy birds.
I find my Barnies are very quiet hens, the Cochins too, and again, the Buckeyes aren't too noisy either with the exception of one or two that will announce their egg, but not carry on about it. The worst I have for that are my Marans that I have in the Easter Egger pen. Oh, and some of my Bantam Wyandottes need to stir up the flock when they lay too.
Good luck.

Great stories here. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'd love to have one of each! Okay TWO!
And yes, I've now researched Buckeyes too!

 

[abbeyvg]

Hey all,

Just getting started in NE Minneapolis with my 4 chicks!

Cheers,

Abbey

 

[mnhomestead]

Hey all,

Just getting started in NE Minneapolis with my 4 chicks!

Cheers,

Abbey

And to the MN thread!

 

[Cebarmlds]

Hey all,

Just getting started in NE Minneapolis with my 4 chicks!

Cheers,

Abbey

Welcome

 

[aussiegal318]

Hey all,

Just getting started in NE Minneapolis with my 4 chicks!

Cheers,

Abbey

Welcome

 

[newpioneer75]

Welcome Abbey. You have come to a great place full of friendly, helpful peeps. I also have city chickens.