I am new to chickens too, and live in north county SD. I got my chicks seven weeks ago, but they have become so pivotal in my life I can't believe I've only had them that long. Of course I have picked up a few additional birds since the first 7 chicks. So now there are 11 altogether. No one is laying yet, but my first rooster started crowing this past Saturday. I hope he stays just like he is, it's adorable. A creaky, scratchy crow right at 5:30 every morning. He does it about 4 or 5 times, then he takes the rest of the day off. I was going to rehome him, but my neighbors actually asked me not to! Not yet, anyway. They like the idea of a rooster crowing

But let's see if they still feel that way when either he gets louder, or some of the others start crowing too. I have at least two more cockerels, possibly more. The one that's already crowing is a Silkie.
Betts
1 Silkie, 4 Lavender Ameraucana, 1 Light Brahma, 1 Blue Cochin, 2 Black Copper Marans, 2 Partridge Silkie mixes
1 Demented Pomeranian, 1 Ancient Scruffy Terrier, 2 Chihuahuas, 1 Ridgeback Mix, 1 Boxer who is only temporary (her daddy's a Marine)
1 Teen Daughter (human or anime, not sure which) who has forbidden me to get any more animals