Storyteller 2008 New Member Introduction Hello, I am researching keeping chickens in my backyard. My city does indeed allow this, and I found this website by going to my local government website. Currently, I have no chickens and no coop--nothing yet. There is the permitting process and the neighbors' approval to get (if they live within 150 feet of the coop, they must approve). So, I am a beginner. Next year is the soonest I could see being ready. My daughter is interested in doing this, as she already takes care of the chickens at her school. Keeping chickens alive during the cold Minnesota winters is one of my concerns. But, I just bet that question has been addressed by some of you experienced chicken keepers. I do own a small dog, and wonder how that will add to the mix of things to prepare for. She is an 11 pound Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Cooking, reading, and sewing are some of my hobbies. I like to find and fix vintage sewing machines. I plan to start an informal neighborhood teen sewing club as soon as I set up the machines in the basement. Writing has long been one of my passions--and I have written professionally as a reporter/editor (for business magazines, newspapers, and radio stations). It may take me a little while to save the money necessary to make or buy a coop that will protect the chickens from our hot and cold weather extremes. But, patience is a virtue! Thanks in advance for having me as part of your community, Storyteller 2008
Welcome to BYC. Study the forums, question away, plan and you will be set to start your flock. Good luck to you and your daughter.
Hi and welcome to our community - glad that you have joined us and i wish you all the best with your planning. CT
Above all join your state thread. They can certainly tell you what type of coop, etc. you need to get thru Minn. weather extremes. You can also ask about breeds, what feed they use, if there are any avian vets and so on. Chickens generally can handle cold much better than heat. Welcome to BYC
Welcome to BYC Glad you joined us! You can chat with members from your area here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1052702/surviving-minnesota/0_30 Good luck with your new venture!
Welcome from another Minnesotan!! Sumi gave you a great thread where a lot of us meet and talk. I am new as well, started just this spring with 25 chicks from a hatchery. I researched which breeds would be hardy for our Northern MN winters and wound up with Wyandottes, Australorps, Barred Rocks and Blue Cochins (because they are pretty!) As long as your coop has good ventilation and shows no signs of condensation, I'm told they will do well with no additional heat source. Who would have thought right? Well again welcome and hope to see you on our MN thread where there are plenty of experienced chicken owners to answer your questions! https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1052702/surviving-minnesota/0_30
Hello there and welcome to BYC! So glad you could join our community! Make yourself at home here and don't be shy if you have questions. Welcome to our roost!
