New in Indiana

Michelle R

In the Brooder
7 Years
Jun 29, 2012
38
6
26
I've spent the last few days reading through the forums and gathering lots of information. I've never had chickens, my parents never had chickens and, as far as I know, my grandparents never had chickens! Obviously, I have A LOT to learn. My husband and I have 5 acres in central Indiana with a dozen or so head of cattle. I work at the local elementary school as the secretary and my husband has a carpentry shop here at our place. I've been thinking about raising chickens for a while now and since hubby is ready to start on a coop soon I thought I'd better gather info before I gather eggs! Thanks to all the 'Old Timers'....you've already helped me a lot.
 
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&
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from Alabama. Glad you joined us.
 
Hi Michelle,

I've been lurking about too, just signed up
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I'm on the edge of Indianapolis, are you staying cool?
Have you decided what kind of chickens you are getting?
I received 25 Buff Orpington chicks last Wednesday, quite a handful !
 
@Lora....
It's been so very hot but we did get a storm that blew through today and cooled it off a bit. Only 1/2" or so of rain but it felt good!
I haven't decided what breed of chickens to go with. Every time I start looking at the different breeds I change my mind! Since I'm only going for eggs I'll probably end up with a variety. With this heat I'm thinking I might be better off to wait till spring and get young pullets then. I don't think I'll get a rooster the first year. I want to wait and see how the family does helping with the feeding and watering.
I'm north of you about 50 miles or so up I69.
 
I'm so glad you got rain, it missed us by 1 or 2 miles
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We have another chance tomorrow but it's too late for much of the crops.

The heat has been a mixed blessing with the chicks. They don't need a heat lamp on except maybe from midnight till 8am. By afternoon I'm putting ice water in canning jars in the tubs to cool them. I am concerned that they will not be big enough to maintain their own heat when Winter sets in and they will reach laying age at the darkest, coldest part of the year. So, my timing was not good, live and learn.

There are so many breeds to choose from, you should have fun . Very wise to see how the family reacts. Everyone wants to cuddle a chick,nobody wants to muck out the coop. Best of luck to you.
 

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