How did I get started with chickens? One of our grandsons received two chicks for his birthday in early March. By the middle of March they brought them to the house to see if I would want them (animal magnet, can't help it) and to their surprise, I told them no.
After they went outside, I got to thinking... hum... free help with bug control in the garden, free fertilizer and eggs to boot! So, I went out and brought them in the house. They were/are adorable! I believe they are buff orpintons. Not knowing what I was supposed to do next, I bought starter feed, a heat lamp, pine shavings, small feeder and a water thingy. I was good! Then they started growing and I had to consider what I was going to put them in outside. While I was looking up info on how to care for them, I ended up here for sometimes very long periods of time, even longer when I started investigating my coop options. There is so much information here and people seem very helpful, so here I am. The lastest obsessed chickenier.
Since getting the first two, I went out and bought 10 more within two weeks of the first two. On Good Friday (Apr 6th) I bought 6 more (and not realizing it til I got home, bought straight runs) and this morning, I bought 6 more again! Who would have ever thought? Me, now called the "chicken lady" at work, would become completely obessed with chickens! They are adorable and I am having a blast with them. So, I now have 2 Buff Orpingtons, 3 RIRs, 3 New Hamp. Red, 4 Red Production, 3 Plymoth Rocks, 2 Australorps and 7 Ameraucanas. I only had 12 when I finished their coop and run. Now I am planning a much bigger coop and run or possibly making a separate coop and run for the last dozen. BUT, thought I might better wait and see if the two (or 3) I think may be roosters, are or not.
As for me, I am studying to get certified as a Master Herbalist, I love being in my garden, which I now share with my equally favorite past-time of watching my chickens. The two bigger ones like to follow me around the garden, but I don't let them out too much right now because of the 10 smaller ones with them. Not confident I could get them all in if any of the neighborhood dogs strolled thru the yard plus there are several cats around that love bird catching. Good thing they all (12) seem to like their new home.
Ok, got on this page not knowing what I would say and here I am rambling. As soon as I figure how to add pics, I will get some up.
Looking foward to a long BYC relationship. Great site! and welcome to any other newcomers.
After they went outside, I got to thinking... hum... free help with bug control in the garden, free fertilizer and eggs to boot! So, I went out and brought them in the house. They were/are adorable! I believe they are buff orpintons. Not knowing what I was supposed to do next, I bought starter feed, a heat lamp, pine shavings, small feeder and a water thingy. I was good! Then they started growing and I had to consider what I was going to put them in outside. While I was looking up info on how to care for them, I ended up here for sometimes very long periods of time, even longer when I started investigating my coop options. There is so much information here and people seem very helpful, so here I am. The lastest obsessed chickenier.
Since getting the first two, I went out and bought 10 more within two weeks of the first two. On Good Friday (Apr 6th) I bought 6 more (and not realizing it til I got home, bought straight runs) and this morning, I bought 6 more again! Who would have ever thought? Me, now called the "chicken lady" at work, would become completely obessed with chickens! They are adorable and I am having a blast with them. So, I now have 2 Buff Orpingtons, 3 RIRs, 3 New Hamp. Red, 4 Red Production, 3 Plymoth Rocks, 2 Australorps and 7 Ameraucanas. I only had 12 when I finished their coop and run. Now I am planning a much bigger coop and run or possibly making a separate coop and run for the last dozen. BUT, thought I might better wait and see if the two (or 3) I think may be roosters, are or not.
As for me, I am studying to get certified as a Master Herbalist, I love being in my garden, which I now share with my equally favorite past-time of watching my chickens. The two bigger ones like to follow me around the garden, but I don't let them out too much right now because of the 10 smaller ones with them. Not confident I could get them all in if any of the neighborhood dogs strolled thru the yard plus there are several cats around that love bird catching. Good thing they all (12) seem to like their new home.
Ok, got on this page not knowing what I would say and here I am rambling. As soon as I figure how to add pics, I will get some up.
Looking foward to a long BYC relationship. Great site! and welcome to any other newcomers.
from Ohio. So glad you joined. 
