The Old Folks Home

[Perris]

Thank you! I'm not quite sure of breeds yet. I keep deciding on some, then changing my mind, then changing my mind again. At least I have plenty of time to decide. As for numbers, probably six. We live in the suburbs, and even though our city has no limits (just no roosters), I think that number is manageable for us. We want them mainly for eggs. I'm hoping to be able to gift some eggs to our neighbors so they will be happy with the chickens too . Our plans are to get some property in the future, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and start our own little homestead.

sounds familiar! I swiveled repeatedly as I changed my mind on which breeds to get. I think it's good to take time over these decisions, after all, you could have the birds for 8 years or so!

 

[bruceha2000]

is one that has already been weeded by someone else.

Looks like they did a great job, I don't see even one weed! Would they like to come work on my veg garden?

I keep deciding on some, then changing my mind, then changing my mind again.

Tell us what you are thinking and you will get opinions. Lots of us have opinions on chicken breeds. I aim for those breeds that are supposedly less likely to go broody. No rooster = no fertile eggs = hen sitting on a nest of shavings to no end. Then you need to break them and likely won't see eggs from her for another 5 days.

 

[bruceha2000]

Anyone else sitting in their barn so they can repeatedly put a "not quite ready" barn swallow chick back up in it's nest?

 

[ColoradoCarol]

Looks like they did a great job, I don't see even one weed! Would they like to come work on my veg garden?


Tell us what you are thinking and you will get opinions. Lots of us have opinions on chicken breeds. I aim for those breeds that are supposedly less likely to go broody. No rooster = no fertile eggs = hen sitting on a nest of shavings to no end. Then you need to break them and likely won't see eggs from her for another 5 days.

I know each hen will have her own personality/traits, but would like breeds that are less likely to go broody, good layers, not flighty, not too noisy (neighbors). I have been looking at Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, and thought about sex links, but I hear so much about health issues with them since they are bred to lay so much. I also need to think about our climate here. It can get pretty cold/snowy in the winter and pretty hot in the summer, although we don't have the humidity here that many others do. It got up to 100 degrees here yesterday and has been in the high 90s this past week. I welcome and appreciate any and all suggestions and opinions

 

[ColoradoCarol]

Good morning OF. Welcome Carol. Please pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee or tea. We love everyone here.

I just spent the last hour cutting this lion out for my son to hang on the wall above my new grandsons crib. He will be delivered very soon. Probably this week. I will add it to a piece of oak that I will paint.
i still have to weed the lion. It will take many hours to do. I am going to have to get a light pad to put it on to do all the fine weeding.
the second pic View attachment 2238344is one that has already been weeded by someone else.
View attachment 2238351

That is beautiful!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to the old folks Carol .. Chickens are great quiet is not one of their tributes egg songs or the one might crow to warn the others.. Yes one hen will be dominant.. Don't forget EE blue eggs .. or Marans super dark eggs ..
Ever since I was a kid I have disliked RIR they kick the shavings from the box, okay those where the ones I know

 

[ColoradoCarol]

Welcome to the old folks Carol .. Chickens are great quiet is not one of their tributes egg songs or the one might crow to warn the others.. Yes one hen will be dominant.. Don't forget EE blue eggs .. or Marans super dark eggs ..
Ever since I was a kid I have disliked RIR they kick the shavings from the box, okay those where the ones I know

Thanks for the info/suggestions! I will read up on them. Our neighbors are pretty easy going. I don't think they will have issues with typical "chicken sounds". Just wasn't sure if some breeds tend to be a little more quiet than others. Either way, I'm sure if they get free, fresh eggs every now and then, they won't mind either way.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I grew up on a farm did not have birds again till I retired ..
I wanted something to do in the day, get me up in the morning ...

 

[getaclue]

Welcome Carol.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Hi Everyone,
I hope you don't mind me dropping in here. I was glad to see this thread and have spent the last couple of hours reading through it. It was nice to be able to read real words that weren't typed in "code" that has to be deciphered like the younger folks use now . I don't have chickens yet, but plan to in the spring. I joined BYC to learn first. Over the past few weeks, my DH and I have been slowly building our coop/run. We usually only work on it on Saturdays since we both still work full time jobs. This morning I was reading a thread on BYC that had to do with music. That's when I realized this thread was more my pace. I haven't even heard of some of the artists/groups they were referring to and I used to work in radio!

Anyway, sorry for the wordy post, just wanted to say hello! Enjoy your day!

Hey CC, welcome! Pull up a chair and have a beverage!