New to Chickens...

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! So glad to have you join us! You'll love owning chickens, as I'm sure you have an idea already! Enjoy!

 

[featherbaby]

Welcome to our Chicken Insanitarium where the inmates run the show! HA! I admire you for taking on a project that will likely become a lifetime obsession. A couple of words on getting started: READ AND READ SOME MORE. Study what you're about to do and you will make fewer mistakes. Doing it "right" the first time saves money, frustration and tears. Your success will depend on how much you know, not how much you spend. This site has many resources to study what breeds fit your needs best, lots of coop designs (the easier it is to take care of, the more you'll enjoy it), nutrition and medication info, etc. Most people get the chickens first, then scramble around to get a coop built and set up. Most of them will tell you they wish they'd done the research and building first.

Also, check with your local feed stores and see if there's a regular "chicken swap" in your area. This is a great place to talk to breeders and get good stock without the risk of shipping. You might also find a local mentor that will be willing to answer your questions and help you with their knowledge and experience.

I am in N. Florida and have 8 Silkies. They are in a well designed coop that is a joy to maintain (built BEFORE the chicks were bought). I have learned SOOOO much by reading and talking to other Chickaholics. They are my pets as well as egg-producers (soon, I hope) and a true delight to watch, hold and stroke. Each has it's own personality and preferences...just like kids.

I wish you well, and keep posting about your progress. We're interested and will encourage you every step of the way.

 

[Andi]

Welcome to BYC! I'm impressed that you know enough to not buy on impulse! You'll be much happier doing some research and getting what you want in the beginning. It will help with the potato chip theory (of always wanting more), maybe. There's a lot of cool breeds out there. Who knows what you'll discover!?!

First, figure out what is the most important quality in a chicken for you. Is it the way it looks, that it will produce eggs (some breeds are fairly reliable Winter layers, but not all), temperament to make showing funner.

Next thing is hardiness for where you live. Seeing you'll be somewhat bound by how much your parents are willing to put into a coop, that may be a big factor.

Here's a link to a spreadsheet with a bunch of breeds and their attributes. Have fun!

Oh! You realize you'll have to keep us posted on the progress of your chicken adventures! Maybe you'll even get your folks hooked!

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

 

[Shady]

Thank you all! It's great to see how much people can like chickens. Most of the people I know who own them don't really care...

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

from Alabama... You are gonna love chickens and you have come to the right place..

 

[texasgal]

A big Texas sized

 

[M To The Maxx]