Hello - my name is Natalie and I am not only a new BYC member but new to chickens altogether. We just purchased a piece of property that came with what appears to be a nice coop (I know nothing of what makes a coop nice/good...yet!). We do not have chickens yet but plan on getting some as soon as I learn what I need to do to ensure the coop is ready and I have a good understanding on how to care for new chicks. I welcome any advice! I have been researching a bit about different breeds. I would love to have a good variety. I am leaning toward Orpington, Brahma, Plymouth Rock, and/or Sussex to start as they appear to be good layers with good temperment. Once I get used to having chickens, I'd like to expand to even more breeds. I am a sales manager for an animal health company. It is just me and my husband. I travel about 30% of the time so my husband will be joining me in the care of the chickens. Right now he is just entertaining me but I am confident he will fall in love. This gentleman's farm we just purchased came with 2 miniature donkeys and a raised garden already in place. It is the perfect property to come home to and let the stress of the job and travel melt away. It is just what I wanted - mini donkey's, chickens and a garden! We actually heard about BYC from the owner of a shaved iced shop. She and I were talking about our new property and my desire to raise chickens. She shared she not only has chickens but manages the BYC Facebook page for the Williamson County, Tx. I am very much looking forward to exploring the site, learning from the articles and forums, and reading stories/seeing pic of everyone else's chicken adventure!
Welcome Natalie, it's very nice to meet you. You seem to have excellent references - lol. Hope you will enjoy Backyard chickens as much as we do.
Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you. I always recommend beginners get the largest assortment of breeds they can. How else will you determine what you like? There is no one best breed and while we can all sit here and tell you all day what our favorites are, you will not know your own preferences until you have had experience with multiple breeds. If you are getting, say, six chickens to start, then there is no good reason not to get one of each of six breeds. You can mix and match any way you like - it is entirely up to you. All the breeds you mentioned are fine backyard birds, but honestly there are many dozens of common breeds, all of which are rather similar in laying ability in this day and age and most of which make good, friendly pets as well.
I agree with QueenMisha...mixed flocks are a great way to go, especially when you're just starting out. Your farm sounds lovely! Make yourself at home here and thanks for joining us!
Hello from Kansas, Natalie, and ! Great to have you in our community! Love mixed flocks! Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!
G’Day from down under Nat5253 Welcome! I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out
