Hi All -
I'm new to the world of chickens, and new to this forum as well. My husband & I (well, it was mostly me, but hubby agreed) decided we wanted to try raising chickens for eggs. We have some pallets and a shipping crate we plan to use to build a coop, we've checked out the "chicken rules" for our town, we've checked with our neighbors, so I think we're nearly good to go! Just need a few more supplies before we start building . . .
I recently found out that here in the state of Massachusetts, when you order chicks through a feed store (which is what we planned to do), it is a state law that you must order a minimum of 6 chicks. Only problem is, we only want 3 or 4 hens. The coop we have planned is just big enough for 3 or 4 hens, and I really think 6 hens would produce too many eggs for us! We really want to start with chicks, so we can socialize them.
What do you do in a situation like this? My immediate circle of friends and acquaintences has no interest in having chickens, I don't really know anyone else who raises chickens, so I wouldn't have anyone to give the "extra" chicks to. Is there another way to buy chicks, where you don't have to buy any minimum? Before anyone brings it up, no - we couldn't/woudln't use the "extras" for meat. I just can't make friends with my food. . .
We are planning (I think) on getting Rhode Island Reds, since they seem to be pretty hearty, and are good layers as well. Possibly Barred Plymouth Rocks, too.
If there is anything you think I should know, please do suggest it. I've never had chicks, but I think it will be fun, and from all I've read, it seems pretty easy. The big challenge will be to keep the dog away from the chickens, but I think we'll be ok.
Thanks for any advice you all may have - I really appreciate it!!!
NancyB
I'm new to the world of chickens, and new to this forum as well. My husband & I (well, it was mostly me, but hubby agreed) decided we wanted to try raising chickens for eggs. We have some pallets and a shipping crate we plan to use to build a coop, we've checked out the "chicken rules" for our town, we've checked with our neighbors, so I think we're nearly good to go! Just need a few more supplies before we start building . . .
I recently found out that here in the state of Massachusetts, when you order chicks through a feed store (which is what we planned to do), it is a state law that you must order a minimum of 6 chicks. Only problem is, we only want 3 or 4 hens. The coop we have planned is just big enough for 3 or 4 hens, and I really think 6 hens would produce too many eggs for us! We really want to start with chicks, so we can socialize them.
What do you do in a situation like this? My immediate circle of friends and acquaintences has no interest in having chickens, I don't really know anyone else who raises chickens, so I wouldn't have anyone to give the "extra" chicks to. Is there another way to buy chicks, where you don't have to buy any minimum? Before anyone brings it up, no - we couldn't/woudln't use the "extras" for meat. I just can't make friends with my food. . .
We are planning (I think) on getting Rhode Island Reds, since they seem to be pretty hearty, and are good layers as well. Possibly Barred Plymouth Rocks, too.
If there is anything you think I should know, please do suggest it. I've never had chicks, but I think it will be fun, and from all I've read, it seems pretty easy. The big challenge will be to keep the dog away from the chickens, but I think we'll be ok.
Thanks for any advice you all may have - I really appreciate it!!!
NancyB
from Ohio. So glad you joined. Congrats and have fun. 
