Stay at home Mom ready to raise some chicks!

[JulesChicks]

Well, welcome fellow newbie

! I am also a SAHM, only 2 kiddos, though they sure keep me on my toes. We're pretty much following the same process as you...bought a property (fixing up before we can move in), researching, building a coop, etc. I plan on making a garden and making compost too. Good luck and have fun with the process

 

[Audderpops]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. Raising chickens is a wonderful experience for children, particularly with calm and gentle breeds. My granddaughter (pictured in my avatar) loves our chickens. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. What kind of chicks are you getting?

Thanks Michael! I'm waiting to see what the Garden Sphere has to offer, but I'm hoping for a nice breed that is a consistent layer.

 

[Audderpops]

Well, welcome fellow newbie  !  I am also a SAHM, only 2 kiddos, though they sure keep me on my toes. We're pretty much following the same process as you...bought a property (fixing up before we can move in), researching, building a coop, etc.  I plan on making a garden and making compost too.  Good luck and have fun with the process

You, too! We bought a fixer upper, as well, that was built in 1936. I just love old homes and throwing my character into it!

 

[JulesChicks]

That's funny, the original footprint of our new place was from 1935. However it was added onto in the 90's and I can't say it was a quality job. Unfortunately there is no original charm left

Plus, it was rented for a while and not maintained so there are lots of things to fix - big things like leaks and rotten floors from the leaks, getting rid of unwanted guest (think rats, birds, yellow jackets),new roof, new decks, new heating system and now we found out we need a new septic system too - yikes! You can see why we're not moved in yet! Well, we did get it for a good price and it will be wonderful when we can finally move in. I'm not sure about timing on the coop and new chicks - hopefully I can start with the brooder at our rental...

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks Michael! I'm waiting to see what the Garden Sphere has to offer, but I'm hoping for a nice breed that is a consistent layer.

Hardy breeds and good layers that have a well deserved reputation for being friendly, calm, and gentle (great breeds for children) include Australorps, Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Sussex. My children made lap pets of all of these breeds. If eggs are a priority, Australorps are the best layers on this list. If you are not objectionable to hybrids, you might also want to consider Black Sex Links (Black Stars) which are hardy and friendly, egg laying machines. I've raised them for years (along with dozens of other breeds and hybrids), and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 eggs per hen per year. Whatever breeds or hybrids you end up getting, good luck with your flock.

 

[CrazyChookz]

Hi there!

and our flock! Please ask us any questions, we're happy to help.

 

[drumstick diva]

The Learning center is a great place to start. Then hop over to "Raising Backyard Chickens." So glad you joined us at BYC

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC! This is a great place to learn "all things chicken" (and duck, geese, guineas, peafowl, etc. etc. etc.) lol. Feel free to ask questions and make yourself at home.

 

[EricandJeri]

Hello! BYC is a great place for chicken-lovers, as you will soon become. My husband and I bought some land last year and hope to have some farm animals one day ($$$) but started with chickens and I an IN LOVE with them!

We got our first 6 chicks at 3 days old from a friend who has a farm and my husband built a beautiful little coop for them. All went well until one horrible day in November when some predator killed all 6 of them. It absolutely broke my heart, I cried all day. They were "mutts" as far as chickens go ( I think they were Easter Eggers but Im a newbie so Im not sure) but they were so cool. One of them loved me and loved to be picked up and held and they all happily clucked around our feet when we let them out to free-range. My avatar is me holding Marilyn. I have since learned that it my experience with chicken predators is not at all unusual.

After a month or so I was ready to try again. We ordered 15 assorted brown egg layers from a hatchery. Two did not survive the trip but I now have 13 gorgeous 5 week old girls, ready to move into the new Fort Knox of chicken coops that the hubs built. These chicks are super friendly and crawl all over me like a puppy! I am in love with them and have enjoyed every minute of them being here.

I hope you and your kids enjoy the chicken experience. It is truly a lot of fun. I had no idea how much I would get out of it and hopefully in the spring, we will also have eggs! Woo Hoo!

Sincerely, Jeri

FIRST COOP

SECOND COOP

 

[Audderpops]

That's funny, the original footprint of our new place was from 1935. However it was added onto in the 90's and I can't say it was a quality job.  Unfortunately there is no original charm left    Plus, it was rented for a while and not maintained so there are lots of things to fix - big things like leaks and rotten floors from the leaks, getting rid of unwanted guest (think rats, birds, yellow jackets),new roof, new decks, new heating system and now we found out we need a new septic system too - yikes! You can see why we're not moved in yet! Well, we did get it for a good price and it will be wonderful when we can finally move in. I'm not sure about timing on the coop and new chicks - hopefully I can start with the brooder at our rental...

Oh, wow! You've really got your work cut out for you. Other than replacing galvanized pipes, it's all purely cosmetic for us. I hope it all is smooth sailing for you.