San Diego Chicken meetup and Chat thread

[MissusC]

dfdesigns: I am not sure what breeds yet but I want to make sure they are keepers once I get them. I don't have the heart to "get rid" of animals for pretty much any reason. (We have a "million dollar" cat that surely has more than 9 lives and has used them all) I like the idea of unusual eggs (colored, olive, dark brown) but would also like a good balance; decent layers, great personality, not too broody etc. But as I said, I am totally new to all this.

perchie.girl: I figured as much since we have possibly the best weather in the country but figured I should ask.

Also, when is a good time to start all this? We really don't have the money to build a coop right now but is chicken keeping something one should start in the spring or ?

Thanks so much for all your help!

 

[perchie.girl]

dfdesigns: I am not sure what breeds yet but I want to make sure they are keepers once I get them. I don't have the heart to "get rid" of animals for pretty much any reason. (We have a "million dollar" cat that surely has more than 9 lives and has used them all) I like the idea of unusual eggs (colored, olive, dark brown) but would also like a good balance; decent layers, great personality, not too broody etc. But as I said, I am totally new to all this.

perchie.girl: I figured as much since we have possibly the best weather in the country but figured I should ask.

Also, when is a good time to start all this? We really don't have the money to build a coop right now but is chicken keeping something one should start in the spring or ?

Thanks so much for all your help!

You dont need to get too fancy for a coop. Check out Craigslist lawn sheds make great coops. There is one fellow that makes custom Coops for a reasonable price in La Mesa. He also does Rabbit Hutches. Also Childrens play houses make great coops. You know the kind that are made by Little tykes. Even Free pallets can be used for decent coops. Fortunately in San Diego the climate is mild enough they only need some wind and rain and sun protection. And protection from predators.

OH and you So have to come to the meetup it will be a fun way to meet a bunch of nice people.
deb

 

[kareninthesun]

Unless my son's transplant is then, I would love to be there!

 

[perchie.girl]

Unless my son's transplant is then, I would love to be there!

Oh my.... oh my...

 

[dfdesigns]

Oh, Karen... I kind of hope you can't come, because that would be good news for your son! What a difficult situation - I hope he's okay.

Elizabeth - you should definitely try to come to the meet up. I think we're going to have a lot of different chickens here, and there's a huge wealth of knowledge in this group. Chicken people LOVE to talk about all things feathered! I think a fair amount of folks are bringing birds for sale, too, so you could take some home if you have your coop ready by then,

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

The latest on the Meet-Up! :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/618432/san-diego-meetup-feb-25-2012

If you're coming and not yet on the list PM me so I can add you.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Good morning San Diegans!

I am starting to research chickens since the law is finally changing and am so overwhelmed I can't even begin. Are there local places to get rarer chicks or is it strictly a mail order deal? I would rather buy local if possible and I really don't want to order so many, since my "legal" limit is 5 I believe.

I am all over this forum for information, but if you have any other links, please post!!

Thanks!
Elizabeth (missusC)

Ps. Obviously I am looking for chickens that will do well in our area -- Mira Mesa)

Hi Elizabeth, welcome!!!

There are lots of us who raise chickens, and even some of the "rarer" breeds.

If you go with a hatchery the chickens won't be "to breed standard" but are fine for fun backyard flocks.

You can look at my website to see what I raise, www.whitemountainsranch.weebly.com.

Also, there is actually a page on our chicken group's website where a lot of us that have chickens for sale are listed are listed: http://sandiegochickens.webs.com/breederslist.htm.

My favorites are Easter Eggers because they come in a wide variety of colors and have cute little beards and lay all kinds of cool colored eggs!

You can start with chickens anytime here in SD, but the general rule of thumb is spring because it's easier to raise little chicks. But really anytime is fine. Just make sure you have your coop and run built first and that it is predator proof.

Ps. I have Mastiffs too, I'd LOVE to see yours!!!

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Welcome Elizabeth!

If you want any bantams, I raise Seramas and Old English Game Bantams. I'm hatching Seramas, but the OEGB I can sell eggs to incubate. Both are teeny tiny, and very friendly, but more "companion" chickens, than production birds!!

 

[dfdesigns]

Okay - here's my long awaited blue egg! Even my chicken-challenged husband could see the color
difference right away, so hopefully it shows up here.

L-R: Cuckoo Marans, Blue Andalusian, Am, ??? (might be other Am), young EE, old EE.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

That's one pretty blue egg, Dana - congrats!!!