hello
I am a relatively new owner of chickens and I have to honest I have viewed your forums before I was officially a member.
I got two beautiful Sussex whites in Oct 2012 . I called them Harriet and Henrietta ( my daughter in law's suggestion). I had lovely eggs from both for about 6 months then Harriet just stopped laying but was well and happy. Henrietta kept going. they were super characters and I was looking forward to another summer of happy days. unfortunately Henrietta fell ill with peritonitis and I had to ask the vet to put her down. Harriet has to take antibiotics for five days as a precaution. the vet said they were absolutely magnificent animals and it was just bad luck. She is lonely but I am waiting to see if she is ok before I try and get her a companion. There is so much I do not know about chickens that I decided to join you because it seems as though you have a lot of wisdom and support to give.
I live in a farming area and when I ask local farmers for advice they just say get rid! But cannot understand that my chicks are pets.
any way I am looking forward to learning and maybe sharing with you.
I am a relatively new owner of chickens and I have to honest I have viewed your forums before I was officially a member.
I got two beautiful Sussex whites in Oct 2012 . I called them Harriet and Henrietta ( my daughter in law's suggestion). I had lovely eggs from both for about 6 months then Harriet just stopped laying but was well and happy. Henrietta kept going. they were super characters and I was looking forward to another summer of happy days. unfortunately Henrietta fell ill with peritonitis and I had to ask the vet to put her down. Harriet has to take antibiotics for five days as a precaution. the vet said they were absolutely magnificent animals and it was just bad luck. She is lonely but I am waiting to see if she is ok before I try and get her a companion. There is so much I do not know about chickens that I decided to join you because it seems as though you have a lot of wisdom and support to give.
I live in a farming area and when I ask local farmers for advice they just say get rid! But cannot understand that my chicks are pets.
any way I am looking forward to learning and maybe sharing with you.
and Welcome To BYC! So sorry about Henrietta, it is hard to lose a pet and it sounds like she was a special girl, glad that Harriet is still doing well, Sussex are a wonderful breed. X2 on check out the BYC Learning Center TwoCrows linked for you, lots of good articles on all aspects of chicken keeping. There is a nice article on adding chickens to your flock you might find helpful when you get Harriet a new friend. 
