New to Forum & New to Chickens!

[offisland]

Hi Everyone,
As I mentioned in my subject line I have just joined the forum and am totally new to chickens! In fact, at this point I don't have any chickens and am just trying to learn. I joined the forum to find people in my area who are already raising backyard chickens and to find sources for different breeds without having to mail order 25 chickens - thought that might be a bit overwhelming for a newcomer! For years my spouse has said "NO" to chickens but has finally given in - now I'm finding myself somewhat timid to get started because I know so little.

I have been reading "A Chicken in Every Yard" and am looking for the "pros" and "cons" of keeping chickens. Suggestions and comments welcome.
Offisland

 

[texasgal]

A big Texas-sized

Just continue to read and learn .. and you'll continue to learn even after you have chickens.. jump right in .. it's all good!

 

[kyeschicks]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[chicmom]

Hello and welcome from OHIO!

For suggestions, I would say, figure out why you want to keep chickens. Is it for eggs? For meat? Both? Just as pets, or do you want the pretty chickens and you don't care about how many eggs you get? Would you like to eventually show or breed?

I did the same thing when I started, and was all prepared. Got my coop, and all the things needed to care for chicks and chickens. Then I found a hatchery that was an hour away, and went and picked up a small order of chicks. (Just 3).

Three years later, I've got 23 chickens and two turkeys, and I just love them!

One thing I think helped me, was getting free catalogs. Meyer hatchery has a really nice catalog, with good pictures and very good descriptions, like temperament, size, egg production and color, whether they like to free range or can be happy caged, cold and heat hardiness......Lots of good info!

Good luck, and take care!
Sharon

 

[Nicole01]

Hello and welcome! Good luck finding your new flock! I'm glad to hear your spouse has changed their mind! Having chickens has been a wonderful experience!

 

[jen5680]

and

from SW Ohio!!
You are for sure at the right place to learn everything you will need to no!!

 

[orpingtonbabies]

Hi! and

You're doing the same thing a lot of us did at first. Looking around and learning, asking questions... Remember everyone loves questions so go ahead and ask them! Good luck!

 

[alabamayardbird]

 

[NonnasBabies]

&

from Louisiana!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined.