Oh my, it has been 6 years since I first dropped in, and much has happened and no chickens in my life.
Until now.
SO, for various reasons, I have decided to get a small flock this year. And boy, do I have questions. It looked all so simple and then I read the one star reviews!
I gather that more than 6 chicks for a family of three (who don't eat eggs every day) are plenty but there are so many different kinds!
So I looked at coops, and thought I buy one. small/medium size, but then I read the reviews. They were quite scary plus the store does not have those in anymore anyhow. Well, it is just after Easter.
Then I looked at the starter kits, a lamp, feeder, waterer. The reviews were not great, but gosh, if I buy the components extra the price doubles! Does anybody have first hand experience with the tractor Supply Starter package?
When I buy chicks, how long do I have to build my coop?
I looked at the available coops online and really don't like any (once I read the bad reviews). And I will need to cover the run at least with netting/wire, as I know I have at least one hawk as neighbor, along with possums, rats, squirrels and lord knows what I have not yet seen.
I am recovering from a health scare that had me wanting to buy a coop but so far so good, I am getting my strength back.
what am I not considering?
My reasons for wanting chickens:
I need the manure. the soil in my garden is lousy.
I don't like store bought eggs anymore since I had home grown ones at my mom's.
Why not have chickens. I live in Suburbia, but in the county. I won't get a rooster (I hope) Because sheep or goats are out of the question.
I am starting my victory garden this year, chickens would be a great addition (as would be sheep and goats, and maybe a couple of horses, but let's be realistic here)
I am in central Alabama, it gets hot here, but most years not terribly so. (I could put solar cells on the coop roof)
So far we have a good relationship with most neighbors, so excess eggs should not be a problem. I hope I can coax enough produce out of my plot to feed us and the chicks.
What am I not considering?
Thanks for making it through my convoluted ramble. I am a little obsessed with my 'farmstead' (1/4 acre lot with house) this year.
Until now.
SO, for various reasons, I have decided to get a small flock this year. And boy, do I have questions. It looked all so simple and then I read the one star reviews!
I gather that more than 6 chicks for a family of three (who don't eat eggs every day) are plenty but there are so many different kinds!
So I looked at coops, and thought I buy one. small/medium size, but then I read the reviews. They were quite scary plus the store does not have those in anymore anyhow. Well, it is just after Easter.
Then I looked at the starter kits, a lamp, feeder, waterer. The reviews were not great, but gosh, if I buy the components extra the price doubles! Does anybody have first hand experience with the tractor Supply Starter package?
When I buy chicks, how long do I have to build my coop?
I looked at the available coops online and really don't like any (once I read the bad reviews). And I will need to cover the run at least with netting/wire, as I know I have at least one hawk as neighbor, along with possums, rats, squirrels and lord knows what I have not yet seen.
I am recovering from a health scare that had me wanting to buy a coop but so far so good, I am getting my strength back.
what am I not considering?
My reasons for wanting chickens:
I need the manure. the soil in my garden is lousy.
I don't like store bought eggs anymore since I had home grown ones at my mom's.
Why not have chickens. I live in Suburbia, but in the county. I won't get a rooster (I hope) Because sheep or goats are out of the question.
I am starting my victory garden this year, chickens would be a great addition (as would be sheep and goats, and maybe a couple of horses, but let's be realistic here)
I am in central Alabama, it gets hot here, but most years not terribly so. (I could put solar cells on the coop roof)
So far we have a good relationship with most neighbors, so excess eggs should not be a problem. I hope I can coax enough produce out of my plot to feed us and the chicks.
What am I not considering?
Thanks for making it through my convoluted ramble. I am a little obsessed with my 'farmstead' (1/4 acre lot with house) this year.