Newbie looking for advice

[DizzySkunk]

I just read yesterday that a whole slew of cat food (canned) has been recalled. Something was wrong with it and was causing the deaths of many cats and dogs. I don't feed my chickens cat food, so I don't know if feeding chickens was refering to dried or canned cat food, but thought I should mention it just in case.

Shandea, I don't know much about the diffent breeds and their temperment, but I've heard that some breeds are calmer and less aggressive than others... may help to know if your neighbors are 10 ft away and one gets out.

Also, you might want to make sure that you are getting laying hens and feed them a laying feed. If you feed a laying hen feed that is meant for meat hens, then the layer could die (something about too much growth around the liver causing burst vessels and hemorraging when they lay an egg). The feed is formulated for the types of chickens you have. You might want to approach your neighbors more with "I'm planning on getting a few chickens and was wondering if you'd be interested in any extra eggs that I might have." rather than "I was wondering if you'd mind if I got some chickens." And... chickens are angels compared to some people's dogs! Hope it goes well! (I can't imagine a neighbor not wanting a bit of tasteful variety in the neighborhood)

 

[MTchick]

A quick addition;

Chickens get lice, mites, and fleas but none of them are the same kinds of lice, mites and fleas that bite and live on people, dogs, or cats. Thus, while it is something to avoid, it isn't like your chickens could give the neighbor's kids head lice. I thought you might want to know that!

-MTchick

 

[shandea]

Thanks for the info about the food, and for easing my mind about the parasites!

Now if I could just find some chicks today... I have their brooder (Rubbermaid container with swivel arm lamp over it) all ready and set at 90 degrees with pine shavings.

 

[Canarygirl]

Look for opingtons, they are great with kids and are more of a pet. They are great layers to. Read up on this breed. Ours jumps up on our laps to be held. You will be pleasantly surprized how easy it is to keep chickens. You will be hooked.