Hey there!
Just wanted to introduce myself and give a collective "Hello" to the site members.
I'm new to keeping chickens (read up on the subject for quite some time and decided to "leap in" after a while because the more I read, the more I liked what I read and the more I realized that if I waited until I knew all there was to know that I would be delaying for an immense length of time). I've had my "girls" for a few months and all is going great! They're still not of a laying age and I'm already thinking about expanding the coop so I can get more. Hmmmm...of course this means building another coop so the "newbies" can mature before being added to the flock but that's ok with me.
I do have a few questions/concerns, however, and will be sifting through the forum threads in hopes of finding answers. Two of my questions, however, are more pressing than others so I was hoping someone could provide me with some expert insight.
First, my chickens are currently in a coop. I would like to allow them to have a limited range environment but am worried about predators (raccoons, possums, cats, hawks, etc.). Am I overthinking the scenario or is that just part of the risk one takes? Any fenced area would be well-prepared before allowing them limited range access but I don't know if I'm just being the proverbial "mother hen" (bad humor, I know).
Second, I would like to keep Chinese golden pheasants (red goldens to some, golden pheasants to others, Chrysolophus pictus to yet others). I was wondering if anyone knew of someone who might have some for sale in the West Georgia or East Alabama areas? I know you can buy them online but I'd rather see them and the environment from which they come prior to purchase.
I would be very appreciative of any direction given. Thanks a bunch! Glad to have found BYC!!
D
Just wanted to introduce myself and give a collective "Hello" to the site members.
I'm new to keeping chickens (read up on the subject for quite some time and decided to "leap in" after a while because the more I read, the more I liked what I read and the more I realized that if I waited until I knew all there was to know that I would be delaying for an immense length of time). I've had my "girls" for a few months and all is going great! They're still not of a laying age and I'm already thinking about expanding the coop so I can get more. Hmmmm...of course this means building another coop so the "newbies" can mature before being added to the flock but that's ok with me.
I do have a few questions/concerns, however, and will be sifting through the forum threads in hopes of finding answers. Two of my questions, however, are more pressing than others so I was hoping someone could provide me with some expert insight.
First, my chickens are currently in a coop. I would like to allow them to have a limited range environment but am worried about predators (raccoons, possums, cats, hawks, etc.). Am I overthinking the scenario or is that just part of the risk one takes? Any fenced area would be well-prepared before allowing them limited range access but I don't know if I'm just being the proverbial "mother hen" (bad humor, I know).
Second, I would like to keep Chinese golden pheasants (red goldens to some, golden pheasants to others, Chrysolophus pictus to yet others). I was wondering if anyone knew of someone who might have some for sale in the West Georgia or East Alabama areas? I know you can buy them online but I'd rather see them and the environment from which they come prior to purchase.
I would be very appreciative of any direction given. Thanks a bunch! Glad to have found BYC!!
D
and good luck with your poultry adventure! 
