New to chickens, can they be raised in Alaska????

[Mrs MIA]

Likewise... we're here for ya!

We have two large dogs, retriever size. Both of them at once was enough to get Blackie moving and gone.

Hubby just brought home one of the solar powered electric fence thingies... I think we're going to set it up this weekend so I'll let you know how it works.

I laughed out loud at the "deer hunted"!

No deer here, except down near Kodiakchicken (should I have named myself Kenaichicken???

) But you do have to watch for moose, and the occasional bear, to cross the road. I've never seen a chicken cross the road here, but coyotes, wolves, lynx, moose and bear, yes.

The time will go by quick... you're coming up at the right time. Things are just starting to bud out, most of the snow has turned to mud, and it's getting warmer. You'll have plenty of time to adjust and get ready for winter.

 

[ChelC]

We were there from 83-87 or close to that. I was a few years younger than you, but maybe my brother was in your grade? I can't remember if he graduated in 90 or 91, but not in Alaska. His name is Brendan. I had another brother Chris who was only a year behind him. We went to church in North Pole and I always enjoyed telling people that I went to North Pole and saw Santa Claus. Do you remember when his arm fell off?

 

[WriterofWords]

Quote:
My nephew on my sister-in-law's side has been working on a fishing boat now for about 7 years, he loves it. Considering he left Mexico, hot, humid, sweaty, Mexico and loves it there has to say something! I'm trying to get a chance to go visit several school districts that have contacted me but it's so darn expensive to get there and then stay for a few days. But I'll get there,,,, one way or another!

 

[WriterofWords]

Quote:
I'm hoping to go, if one of the districts were to say: "Hey, we'll pay your way!" We'd be there in a heartbeat. When the Super from Yukon called me in August I told my son about it and he asked when we started packing! Not two weeks later the Beiring Straight's district called,,,,, I was ready to hang the three teachers who left me all alone so I couldn't go! But I love my kids and I won't leave them like that, it's not fair.
K

 

[olivesmom]

Off topic for chickens but on topic for Alaska ...

When you go I would highly recommend flying to Bellingham Washington and taking the ferry if you can ... this assumes the ferry goes where you need to end up.

The cost between just flying and the shorter flight and the ferry ride are often close and the trip up through the small towns is amazingly beautiful ...

It is one of my favorite trips of all time and I have been on some pretty good ones.

Again anyone living in Alaska is VERY lucky ... very blessed!

Do it as soon as you can!

Charlotte

 

[Mrs MIA]

Yep... taking the Alaskan Marine Highway through the Inside Passage should be on EVERYONE's "bucket list"...

I did it in February, and it was a very humbling experience. Very majestic, wild and rugged. Not to mention cold!

 

[kodiakchicken]

Quote:
Yes! I do remember that! How hilarious! My parents were up there a couple years ago and they now have a great campground at the Santa Claus house with RV hookups and everything. They keep a reindeer too, when the kids come to visit Santa they can pet his reindeer. My 6 year old nephew was with my folks and it was slow so Santa asked Cody if he wanted to see what Santa rode in the summer. Cody said sure so Santa took him out back and showed him a big, gleaming Harley! Cody thought it was hilarious!

 

[FutureChickenMan]

Quote:
You might want to consider the Chantecler considering the Alaskan winters.

Info: http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/chantecler.html

McMurry doesn't have them... Ideal does. https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/Products.aspx?Category=Chanteclers

Good luck.

 

[Alaska animal lover]

Hi Arctichicken!
I live in Big Lake which is only 20 minutes or so from Wasilla and about 35 from Palmer.
I grew up in Palmer and I would move back if I could. The mountains are right in your back yard and the soil is amazing. As you come through Wasilla towards Big Lake from Palmer the soil quality isn't as good and by the time you get to Big Lake there is nothing but sand=(. I came to Big Lake because this is where my DH was raised, his grandparents homesteaded out here in the 50's. I like it fine, but I miss the country charm of Palmer. Big Lake is a huge recreation community in winter and summer.
I have a small greenhouse and garden area that I grow potato, green beans, peas, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, beets, radish & broccoli.
In the greenhouse I grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and this year I'm going to try corn on the cob.
I just got my Buff O's on Monday, this is my first time having chickens. My DH works on the slope and he is going to build me a coop when he gets home. I will take some step by step pics for you.
Good luck with the move and keep us posted.
Aimee
Edited to add; I got my chicks from Tripple D in Palmer. He has many different breeds, in all ages.

 

[Arctichicken]

Hi Aimee,

I really like the sound of Palmer. It sounds very countryesquette, which is exactly what we are looking for. Does your sandy dirt in Big Lake work good for your outside garden or did you have to bring dirt in? I want to have a greenhouse and garden too. This next year will be so crazy for us, new house/job/animals and gardening. Lots to learn!!!!

We have been talking to several people in Palmer regarding their houses for rent and one mentioned the slopes. He says they have year round work. With 6 kids and animals to feed we definitly need that. If you don't mind may I ask what your husband does there? Mine is interested in working there too but we have heard that it helps if you know someone. How long is he gone and home for?

Your chicks are soo cute, I'm glad you got the buff o's. I really want to see how they do. Those are one of the kinds I was thinking about starting out with too, so you have to keep me up to date ok

. I'm gonna have to check out the Triple D place, I've heard mention of it a few times here. Plus it's probably better than hoping chicks survive being shipped from Murray McMurray Hatchery.

I have to ask what does DH mean? darn husband ? Dear husband? Just curious.

I'll keep you posted on the move, I'm crazily excited

I should start a blog.
Stephanie