Hi all, I have been wanting chickens for some time now and finally looks like that will happen in the near future
! Was told we couldn't have them in the city (we live on a 1/2 acre lot!) but while walking the other day found a home with 30 chickens! So of course I stopped in and introduced myself and lo and behold there are at least 10 other families in the city with chickens!
I think I want to have about 5-7. I want friendly birds as I have 6 small grandkids, also want them to be good layers. Have been considering red or black star, black austrolorp, golden buff, barred rock, white rock and rhode island red. Any personal info on these birds as layers and pets would be appreciated. Another concern I have is should we insulate the coop? We do have cold winters in NW Ohio, although this last one wasn't typical. I believe all of the above mentioned birds are cold hardy. Looking forward to gaining as much knowledge and then dive in! Thanks!
I think I want to have about 5-7. I want friendly birds as I have 6 small grandkids, also want them to be good layers. Have been considering red or black star, black austrolorp, golden buff, barred rock, white rock and rhode island red. Any personal info on these birds as layers and pets would be appreciated. Another concern I have is should we insulate the coop? We do have cold winters in NW Ohio, although this last one wasn't typical. I believe all of the above mentioned birds are cold hardy. Looking forward to gaining as much knowledge and then dive in! Thanks!
from a fellow Buckeye. Glad to have you aboard. Those breeds are great choices. The Wyandottes are also cold hardy as well. You should also check out the other Ohio members at the link below. 
