New NJ guy here

[lpfdco237]

Howdy all -

Looking into getting some chickens now that the town ordinance has changed. I'm allowed a coop up to 100 sq feet and 8 hens. No roosters and no free range.

I have a number of concerns regarding keeping chickens in my yard - is it really as easy as everyone says? How much hands-on time is actually required?

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

You might want to stop by our learning center. Lots of good articles on all the aspect of keeping poultry. The more you know, the easier things are...https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

As for how easy it is, it doesn't take too much time really. Depends on why you are keeping them and how you keep them. I like to spend time with my birds and go sit with them a lot during the day. But the clean up and feeding, etc...really doesn't take all that long each day.

Good luck and welcome to our flock!

 

[lpfdco237]

Thanks for the reply. I've actually spent quite a bit of time reading through the learning center and trying to find my answers before I post them to avoid multiple threads on the same topic.

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

Guess I fall in the same category as TwoCrows...I probably spend more time watching "chicken tv" than actually working.

Good for you on checking out the Learning Center, lots of info there. And go ahead and ask questions if you need to, there are a lot of helpful & friendly members here.

What breed of chickens are you considering?

 

[lpfdco237]

I'm looking into a mix - mainly for the egg colors. Some RIR, EE and maybe an australorp or two. I'm only allowed 8, which I plan on getting right away to avoid any future issues or problems or introducing new ones into the coop later on. If I max out now, I can't - by ordinance - get more.

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined our community!

 

[N F C]

I'm looking into a mix - mainly for the egg colors. Some RIR, EE and maybe an australorp or two. I'm only allowed 8, which I plan on getting right away to avoid any future issues or problems or introducing new ones into the coop later on. If I max out now, I can't - by ordinance - get more.

Since you're looking for a varied egg color basket, this may be helpful just give you an idea of some different colors by breed.

http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/100261/docs/Manna+Pro+Chicken+Breeds+Chart++.pdf?t=1429884286475

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[lpfdco237]

http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/100261/docs/Manna+Pro+Chicken+Breeds+Chart++.pdf?t=1429884286475

That's a great page. Thanks!

 

[N F C]

You're welcome!

And if you want some visuals, just do a bing or google search of "Images of egg shell color by breed" and see all the fantastic colors.

Have fun picking out your birds!