New to chickens & site

[MotherHen1999]

My husband & I talked about chickens for a couple years and finally decided to act, so we just bought 6 Rhode Island Red pullets two days ago. I suspect they are around 2wks old based on size, wing/tail feather (just started on the tail) and ability of 1 brave little aviator to fly up to the brooder box lid, so the screen top went on today. My husband wants to get 6 more, I'm not sure that is good strategy for a first-time'er. I'd rather start my learning curve on 6 and then add 6 more chicks next year, always have a group of 6 cohorts going in/out of the flock… we'll see...

I found out about BackYardChickens from lurking on the site while gathering info on chick care and raising. It seems to have a lot of nice people and great advice, so I joined on up! We just put our dog to sleep so these chicks are not just a fun egg'venture for us but I'm also hoping for some genuine affection from our chickens. We live in central IL so I fret about cold- & heat- tolerance. I think RIR breed should deliver on hardiness and personality, but of course I still worry about inexperience and the wretched "what ifs". I've been checking my girls every hour and waking up at 3:30am to make sure water is clean and nobody's distressed (then going back to sleep)… MotherHen indeed! Thanks - MotherHen1999

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - glad that you have joined us. don't worry, its normal to fret - we've all been there. You may well be correct in thinking that 6 chickens is ok for now as the learning curve can be a steep one.

If you check out the Learning Centre, you'll find a whole host of resources on all things chicken. Your state thread is worth joining as you will get to know other BYC members in your area (just type your state in the search box). In fact, the search box should become your best friend

Lastly but by no means least, the members here are amazing - very friendly and helpful, so if you need an answer to a question or simply want some reassurance that what you are doing is ok, then post away - we all help each other out here at BYC.

All the best
CT

 

[N F C]

There are pros and cons to adding more now vs. adding more later, there's no right or wrong way of doing it. Just go with what suits you best.

If you add more now, integration shouldn't be a problem where it can be trickier to add more when your first bunch is older next year. On the other hand, if you wait to get more next year, you'll have some laying while others aren't.

I really like the RIR's I've had (still have 1)...they've been good layers and have lots of personality. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[User395221]

I've been checking my girls every hour and waking up at 3:30am to make sure water is clean and nobody's distressed (then going back to sleep)…

You might be interested in the "you know you love your chickens when..." thread LOL You'll fit right in with the rest of the indulgent "chook parents".

Welcome to the forum.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to the BYC flock, glad to have you here