New Member, First-time raising backyard chickens

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Welcome!
When I started looking into chicken breeds, I had two simple goals: laying hens that wouldn’t keel over in the heat. Sounds easy, right? I must have spent a solid week researching like it was a full-time job—only to discover that finding the right birds wasn’t just about breed traits… it really came down to what was actually available.

Here in the Caribbean, Rhode Island Reds are a fan favorite. People raise them for both eggs and meat. Some folks say they’re not the most affectionate birds out there—but honestly, I think it depends on how you raise them. A little care, consistency, and maybe a few treats go a long way (and a decent sized coop).

Edit: My profile pic is Isla- one of my Rhode Island Red that loves to roost on my lap when im watching TV. All my RIR's love to climb all over me, and chase after me when I say 'here chick chick!'
 
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CabritaChicks said:
Welcome!
When I started looking into chicken breeds, I had two simple goals: laying hens that wouldn’t keel over in the heat. Sounds easy, right? I must have spent a solid week researching like it was a full-time job—only to discover that finding the right birds wasn’t just about breed traits… it really came down to what was actually available.

Here in the Caribbean, Rhode Island Reds are a fan favorite. People raise them for both eggs and meat. Some folks say they’re not the most affectionate birds out there—but honestly, I think it depends on how you raise them. A little care, consistency, and maybe a few treats go a long way (and a decent sized coop).

Edit: My profile pic is Isla- one of my Rhode Island Red that loves to roost on my lap when im watching TV. All my RIR's love to climb all over me, and chase after me when I say 'here chick chick!'
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Thank you for the info. I’m definitely doing my research and I appreciate all the great responses!
 
North_FL_Coops said:
Thank you for the info. I’m definitely doing my research and I appreciate all the great responses!
Click to expand...
You also spoke of hurricane proof: There are no hurricane proof chickens. I started this thread with some hurricane ideas to save your flock: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/anyone-in-usvi-hurricane-prep.1659042/

On the cheap: get dog kennel(s), so you can take them into a safe space. Get probiotics and juice for glucose/electrolytes. Purchase extra feed to have on hand and CASH to purchase more when the registers are not working at the feed store (if they are still standing).
 
CabritaChicks said:
You also spoke of hurricane proof: There are no hurricane proof chickens. I started this thread with some hurricane ideas to save your flock: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/anyone-in-usvi-hurricane-prep.1659042/

On the cheap: get dog kennel(s), so you can take them into a safe space. Get probiotics and juice for glucose/electrolytes. Purchase extra feed to have on hand and CASH to purchase more when the registers are not working at the feed store (if they are still standing).
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Great advice! I have extra food and medicines for my dogs, so I’ll do the same for my chickens. Thanks so much for the link, as well.
 
North_FL_Coops said:
Great advice! I have extra food and medicines for my dogs, so I’ll do the same for my chickens. Thanks so much for the link, as well.
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People will often say, “Oh, they’re just backyard livestock.” But talk to anyone who actually has chickens, and they’ll tell you—these birds have a way of becoming something more. They’re quirky, full of personality, and before you know it, you’re talking to them like they’re tiny feathered buddies (at least that is what my husband calls them when he thinks no one is listening 'hey buddies, look at you!').

So yes, trust your instincts when getting started—but don’t be surprised when they turn into your little munchkin babies. Plan accordingly… because chances are, you’re going to fall for them- or at least one of them.
 
CabritaChicks said:
People will often say, “Oh, they’re just backyard livestock.” But talk to anyone who actually has chickens, and they’ll tell you—these birds have a way of becoming something more. They’re quirky, full of personality, and before you know it, you’re talking to them like they’re tiny feathered buddies (at least that is what my husband calls them when he thinks no one is listening 'hey buddies, look at you!').

So yes, trust your instincts when getting started—but don’t be surprised when they turn into your little munchkin babies. Plan accordingly… because chances are, you’re going to fall for them- or at least one of them.
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Munchkin babies! Love it! My wife has already warned me that she will be naming them.😂
 
:welcome

Hi, several years ago I had a flock in north central FL. My flock consisted of RIR, red sex links, Barred Rocks, Easter Egger, Black Australorp and Speckled Sussex. They all did well with some help during the hottest part of the summer (provided extra waterers, cooling treats like watermelon, lots of coop ventilation, a box fan pointed up in the coop to keep the air circulating and spraying water on the floor of their run).

As you know, the north part of FL can be pretty chilly during the winter months so a mix of breeds that can handle both hot and cooler temps should work well for you.

You might want to post on the FL state thread for tips from other members that live there: Florida state thread

Good luck!
 
N F C said:
:welcome

Hi, several years ago I had a flock in north central FL. My flock consisted of RIR, red sex links, Barred Rocks, Easter Egger, Black Australorp and Speckled Sussex. They all did well with some help during the hottest part of the summer (provided extra waterers, cooling treats like watermelon, lots of coop ventilation, a box fan pointed up in the coop to keep the air circulating and spraying water on the floor of their run).

As you know, the north part of FL can be pretty chilly during the winter months so a mix of breeds that can handle both hot and cooler temps should work well for you.

You might want to post on the FL state thread for tips from other members that live there: Florida state thread

Good luck!
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Awesome! Thanks for the info and the link!
 

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