New to the world of chickens!

[irishhuntr]

Hello, all! After years of wanting to have chickens, my wish will soon be coming true. For Christmas, the parents and students from my kindergarten class bought me a chicken coop! I've now started doing research as to what chicken ownership entails, and am hoping to bring a few girls home come springtime. I'm in Pittsburgh, Pa and would love advice on which chickens are hearty enough to thrive in our climate, and any local sources for purchasing hens. Hooray!

 

[kidcody]

from washington state glad you joined us!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Irishhuntr, and

! Great to have you here!! That is an exciting Christmas gift!! I work in a a school as well and have taken my chickens to school for the kids to see - they love it! Here are 3 threads you might check out:

As a newcomer to the chicken world look here

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/

For locals in your area for hens look for the PA thread here

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

For cold-hearty breeds take a gander at this
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

Best of luck to you and Happy New Year!!

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Glad you joined us.

 

[sourland]

Wow, neat present - you have great parents and students.

 

[The Howards]

Hi, Happy New Year, and welcome from NC. That was a super gift!

 

[Kevin565]

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome from Ohio....so glad you joined us. What an absolute neat gift !!! Best of luck finding your perfect hens

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!!

 

[clfromok]

Hello irishhuntr!
Welcome! I've had my dads (& now my own) chickens for less than a year. But I am a newbee to this site also.
I have learned so much already- I had no idea there was so MUCH TO LEARN!
Everyone is very helpful & its encourageing- even when a little embarrassed to ask the stupid stuff. But that's how ya learn! Well how I do anyway.lol
I'm in ok so can't help with where to get... and learning what kind of hens I have so I can only tell you that dad's old girls were sexlinks & buff orpingtons. They are hardy as far as weather (hot or cold) & good layers! Im thinking they are 5 or 6 yrs old& only recently(the summer) finally stopped laying - I'm pretty sure for good. Working on two new generations & want to try hatching now!
Feel free to ask anything & read threads as even old ones are informative!