New Member from Memphis

Signed up on yesterday and am looking forward to interacting with y'all.

While I am new to the site, I am not new to "chickens.' Earlier in my life, I raised chickens, primarily bantams, for about 15 years. Was in the military for 30 years and raised OEG for about five years while stationed in the Philippines. For that you that may not know it, cockfighting is a big deal over there. That was NOT my approach to the hobby, I just liked breeding and taking care of these beautiful birds.

Retired from the military in 1995 and worked as a traveling investigator for the U.S. Treasury for 14 years. Now, I am REALLY retired and getting somewaht tired of my old Mustang car restoration/modification hobby, so decided to get back into the "chicken" hobby again. Living in the "City", the egg idea seems good but I really just love the idea of raising beautiful birds. While I would love to raise OEG's, I am thinking that the "Red" or "Brown" leghorns might be the way to go as the Roosters look somewhat similar. Plus, the hens (being leghorns) are prolific layers of egg.

Yes, I know most folks in Memphis who raise chickens are seemingly under the impression that you cannot have Roosters. I have researched the appropriate ordinances and coordinated with the code folks and determined the only thing applicable violation (as it relates to roosters0 is to "noise", i.e., possibly incessant crowing. The Code supervisors and City/County Attorney Health supervisors have assured me that they have no problems with it unless there are complaints. I have checked with all my current neighbors who have stated they, too, have no problems with it..especially when I threw in the "offer" of potential cage-free eggs. Some folks even stated they loved the idea of hearing roosters crowing in the morning. LOL

So, it appears that I am "good to go."

The other option I am looking at is raising bantams, possibly one or more of the Dutch and/or Belgium breeds...also looking at the Nankins. Right now, I am looking around for a contractor to build the Coop and Run...I have, what I believe, are a great set of plans for the build-up. Also, looking at the offerings from several hatcheries.

Again, I am looking forward to being an ACTIVE participant here on the site.

BT

 

Wow...that's is what I am talking about...BEAUTIFUL birds, those OEGs you have there.

...and Yes, the Leghorns are "growing" on me. I think growing up I did not appreciate their beauty as the "white" variety were so common in my area and I was more into the ornamental bantams, primarily the Mille Fleurs and Sebrights. I am especially impressed with the Rose Comb Brown Leghorns and the Red Leghorns.

Decisions, decisions! LOL

BT