It was suggested that I post here rather than start a new thread. Hope no one minds me introducing myself on the back of someone else's thread.
We just moved into another house, in a town that allows backyard chickens (yeah!). I was going to go the usual route: research, build coop, order chicks, and so forth, but a friend of a friend of my sister-in-law is leaving the area and was looking for someone to take her chickens into a new home. So, I will be getting between 8 and 12 layers (1 to 3 years old) next month, and am scrambling to put together a winterized coop.
The newbee questions:
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
Years ago, I raised both Cornish cross chickens for meat, and Rhode Island Reds for eggs in Interior Alaska. It was fun, but I know that I made mistakes because there was no internet back then, and I was winging it (pun intended).
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
None. I will be taking on between 8 and 12 layers in February.
(3) What breeds do you have?
I was told that I would be getting Isa Browns, New Hampshire Reds, and an assortment of others, like Polish, Buckeye, Black Australorp, and a Dominique.
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
Eggs! Also, I am within 2 years of retirement and the chickens will be my "pets" that get me up in the morning and keep me engaged with life.
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
Playing music at nursing homes, congregate housing, farmers markets, and so forth. Reading, including backyardchickens.com!
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
My wife and I live next door to my twin brother and his wife. Daughter and grand daughters live within 5 minutes. Work as a groundwater hydrologist on water supply issues for large users, e.g., dairies, ethanol plants, small towns, and etc.
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community?
Since buying this house in 2019, I started reading BYC to research the issues in becoming a better chicken rancher. There is a wealth of information on this site, and I plan on including my shed-to-coop journey which needs to happen within the next 3-4 weeks. HELP!!
We just moved into another house, in a town that allows backyard chickens (yeah!). I was going to go the usual route: research, build coop, order chicks, and so forth, but a friend of a friend of my sister-in-law is leaving the area and was looking for someone to take her chickens into a new home. So, I will be getting between 8 and 12 layers (1 to 3 years old) next month, and am scrambling to put together a winterized coop.
The newbee questions:
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
Years ago, I raised both Cornish cross chickens for meat, and Rhode Island Reds for eggs in Interior Alaska. It was fun, but I know that I made mistakes because there was no internet back then, and I was winging it (pun intended).
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
None. I will be taking on between 8 and 12 layers in February.
(3) What breeds do you have?
I was told that I would be getting Isa Browns, New Hampshire Reds, and an assortment of others, like Polish, Buckeye, Black Australorp, and a Dominique.
(4) What are your favorite aspects of raising backyard chickens?
Eggs! Also, I am within 2 years of retirement and the chickens will be my "pets" that get me up in the morning and keep me engaged with life.
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
Playing music at nursing homes, congregate housing, farmers markets, and so forth. Reading, including backyardchickens.com!
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
My wife and I live next door to my twin brother and his wife. Daughter and grand daughters live within 5 minutes. Work as a groundwater hydrologist on water supply issues for large users, e.g., dairies, ethanol plants, small towns, and etc.
(7) Bonus: How did you find BYC, how long have you known about BYC, and what made you finally join our awesome community?
Since buying this house in 2019, I started reading BYC to research the issues in becoming a better chicken rancher. There is a wealth of information on this site, and I plan on including my shed-to-coop journey which needs to happen within the next 3-4 weeks. HELP!!
We're so happy you've decided to join us 
Hello and welcome to BYC. You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of, with many knowledgeable members who are willing to help you along your journey with any questions you may have. Enjoy 
