- Jul 26, 2012
- 160
- 4
- 73
Hello fellow fans of chickens,
I have had chickens for about a month and a half now. It has been fun, exciting and a bit sad. It all started out by going to a Tractor Supply Co. chicken swap with my neighbor. I ended up coming home with three barn-yard mixes and two americana or easter egger pullets. I unfortunately had to get rid of the barn-yard mixes since they were picking on the americanas. Luckily, a friend was more than happy to take them. I then got 3 more americanas from the same person so they were the same age and 4 rhode island reds. Sadly, one of my RIR's got taken by a hawk.
I saw the hawk fly away with it. Thankfully, from this forum my partner and I learned to put up string over the run.(see first pic.) After that experience I also decided to get a RIR rooster. So, while getting my rooster I also got 4 more rhode islands! So, now I have a nice happy flock of 13.
My partner built a lovely coop of recycled materials laying around our property. We ended up spending way too much money on fencing! And now we let the girls and boy free range. Here are some photos.
This is Fred our rooster! When we got him he looked really pathetic. He is being to look much more handsome. He is kind of a sissy.
This is Goldie my americana/ easter egger/ whatever. She is cute and super pretty. She is my favorite.
This is Philosopher. She likes to sit and meditate on metaphysics.
Having chickens is way more fun than I ever thought it could be! If you are thinking about getting chickens definitely go for it. I waited about three years to get chickens, I wish I had done it sooner. Some things I have learned are:
1. Get chickens that are all the same age and from the same place. You do not want fighting or illnesses exchanged.
2. Everything likes to eat chickens! Make sure small chickens are protected.
3. Do not be paranoid about chickens health. They are pretty resilient.
4. Putting a bit of cider vinegar in water helps it to not smell.
5. backyardchickens will become one of your favorite websites.
6. Learn to count quickly. Chickens move fast!
Thanks for all of the help fellow fans of chickens!
I have had chickens for about a month and a half now. It has been fun, exciting and a bit sad. It all started out by going to a Tractor Supply Co. chicken swap with my neighbor. I ended up coming home with three barn-yard mixes and two americana or easter egger pullets. I unfortunately had to get rid of the barn-yard mixes since they were picking on the americanas. Luckily, a friend was more than happy to take them. I then got 3 more americanas from the same person so they were the same age and 4 rhode island reds. Sadly, one of my RIR's got taken by a hawk.
My partner built a lovely coop of recycled materials laying around our property. We ended up spending way too much money on fencing! And now we let the girls and boy free range. Here are some photos.
This is Fred our rooster! When we got him he looked really pathetic. He is being to look much more handsome. He is kind of a sissy.
This is Goldie my americana/ easter egger/ whatever. She is cute and super pretty. She is my favorite.
This is Philosopher. She likes to sit and meditate on metaphysics.
Having chickens is way more fun than I ever thought it could be! If you are thinking about getting chickens definitely go for it. I waited about three years to get chickens, I wish I had done it sooner. Some things I have learned are:
1. Get chickens that are all the same age and from the same place. You do not want fighting or illnesses exchanged.
2. Everything likes to eat chickens! Make sure small chickens are protected.
3. Do not be paranoid about chickens health. They are pretty resilient.
4. Putting a bit of cider vinegar in water helps it to not smell.
5. backyardchickens will become one of your favorite websites.
6. Learn to count quickly. Chickens move fast!
Thanks for all of the help fellow fans of chickens!
from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. 
