Hi, I've been a member for some time, but have just never really gotten around to posting.
I adopted a flock of older girls last year when some friends were changing duty stations (I live close to Ft Bragg). They are New Hampshire Reds and were 3-4 years old when they came to me laying their fool heads off. I started with six, but due to a racoon or possum, Drumstick's drumstick was eaten and my remaining girls were traumatized. I placed full blame on the boyfriend, since he named her, thus sealing her fate.
After the night time coop raid, I revamped their coop with new wire and a newly designed door. My father was awesome enough to get in there with me to help tear it out and put in new wire. I can officially say that my coop (that came with the birds and is completely upcycled save for the new wire) is held together by chicken wire, a few screws, and a big wish. It was quite rickety, but getting new wire all around really seemed to make it much more sturdy.
So now I have my five girls and it's either time to find them a home or put them in the pot. As such, I'm giving them a bit of extra spoiling with some warm mashes (especially in the COLD weather we've experienced lately) and worms. They of course have free reign of the yard and rule the compost pile with an iron claw.
I've started putting out feelers for new hens, perhaps pullets, and met a fellow BYC member who encouraged me to post here, so here I am.
I'd love input into what specific breeds you all enjoy here in NC. I've been fond of my girls and grew up with silkies and Rhode Island Reds, but I'd like to branch out a bit and get some friendlier birds that are great layers. Since I got mine so advanced in age, they were never properly socialized, though they quickly learned to come running when I called since I always have good things to eat. They're still skittish which bums me out because we always handled our chickens and they were very social and friendly.
I really want a Brahma as a pet to keep forever and love until she goes, and as for the rest, I've been looking into Barred Rocks. I really do want birds that will thrive in this climate, lay well, and be well behaved (and can handle chasing off a squirrel). I look forward to hearing who has what in this area, and where I can find some good, healthy birds that I can welcome into my backyard.
went and got two leghorn hens at Shook poultry today and they are in my introduction pin right now getting to know my Roo 
