I made it official and finally became a member here. I have been using this site consistently for years, especially when I was navigating through some new behavioral issue or a medical dilemma with my flock. It has been a wealth of knowledge for me when I was uncertain about something. A site like that is invaluable when you do not have a mentor teaching you about chickens in person. I actually am questioning why I waited so long to join. 
Anyway, I currently have a small flock of 14 hens in my backyard. This is my third year of chicken-keeping at my current residence. (I previously experienced backyard chickens where I lived about 8 years ago..... but it was a much smaller set up and my flock was only made up of three hens, which I had purchased as adults. That was my initiation into backyard chickens btw)
My current flock were all obtained as day old hatchlings, so I am much more attached to them. I actually had a set up in my house for them until they were large enough to introduce outside. Probably for longer than I should have!) They are made up of mostly ISA Browns, with four Buff Orphingtons and 2 Black Marans. All hens. I also have a few quail in a separate set up and a few dogs and cats, including a colony of ferals that I have TNR'd and now feed. I live on just less than an acre in suburbia in Southern California. I also garden year round.
My family and friends are always commenting on how I have become a crazy chicken lady or how I "treat my chickens like children" but they aren't aware how much personality a chicken possesses once you get to know it. Sure, they appreciate when I can give them some fresh "free" eggs, but they don't realize how entertaining the hens that produce those eggs really are! Hey, I view the eggs as bonus. I love my flock. I don't necessarily care about the eggs so much as their wellbeing and companionship. Also, "free eggs?" hahahahahahahahahaha. Free, my eye!
My current challenges with my flock are usually health/behavioral related. I have experienced some crop issues a few times and was able to fix the issues thanks to this site. Having ISA Browns with their heavy egg production has caused some health issues like calcium deficiency and one time, egg binding. Again, this site was my salvation when I was unsure what was happening. The last prevalent issue experienced is my ISA's seeming to be a pretty contentious breed in terms of hierarchy and temperament. They can be just vicious towards their sisters with pecking order or excessive bullying and it has caused me much frustration. I tried pinless peepers on the mean girls for a time and they worked but it was business as usual when they came off. I have had to separate a few of them to keep the peace. I have a separate coop and a separate run because of this. It was either that or cave and obtain a rooster to maintain order and I dont think my neighbors would appreciate that!
Other than that, having them has been a joy. They definitely keep me on my toes and as much as I refer to this site for it's expertise....it's long overdue, my becoming an official member.
Okay, that is me and my girls.
I am happy to be here.
Anyway, I currently have a small flock of 14 hens in my backyard. This is my third year of chicken-keeping at my current residence. (I previously experienced backyard chickens where I lived about 8 years ago..... but it was a much smaller set up and my flock was only made up of three hens, which I had purchased as adults. That was my initiation into backyard chickens btw)
My current flock were all obtained as day old hatchlings, so I am much more attached to them. I actually had a set up in my house for them until they were large enough to introduce outside. Probably for longer than I should have!) They are made up of mostly ISA Browns, with four Buff Orphingtons and 2 Black Marans. All hens. I also have a few quail in a separate set up and a few dogs and cats, including a colony of ferals that I have TNR'd and now feed. I live on just less than an acre in suburbia in Southern California. I also garden year round.
My family and friends are always commenting on how I have become a crazy chicken lady or how I "treat my chickens like children" but they aren't aware how much personality a chicken possesses once you get to know it. Sure, they appreciate when I can give them some fresh "free" eggs, but they don't realize how entertaining the hens that produce those eggs really are! Hey, I view the eggs as bonus. I love my flock. I don't necessarily care about the eggs so much as their wellbeing and companionship. Also, "free eggs?" hahahahahahahahahaha. Free, my eye!
My current challenges with my flock are usually health/behavioral related. I have experienced some crop issues a few times and was able to fix the issues thanks to this site. Having ISA Browns with their heavy egg production has caused some health issues like calcium deficiency and one time, egg binding. Again, this site was my salvation when I was unsure what was happening. The last prevalent issue experienced is my ISA's seeming to be a pretty contentious breed in terms of hierarchy and temperament. They can be just vicious towards their sisters with pecking order or excessive bullying and it has caused me much frustration. I tried pinless peepers on the mean girls for a time and they worked but it was business as usual when they came off. I have had to separate a few of them to keep the peace. I have a separate coop and a separate run because of this. It was either that or cave and obtain a rooster to maintain order and I dont think my neighbors would appreciate that!
Other than that, having them has been a joy. They definitely keep me on my toes and as much as I refer to this site for it's expertise....it's long overdue, my becoming an official member.
Okay, that is me and my girls.
I am happy to be here.
Glad you joined.
to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
