Tired of the ghetto, moving to Mena, AR

[Trailltrader]

The Wifey Poo and I are an older couple and we're sick of living in the city- time to get back to our farmin' roots and its a LONG haul from Tacoma, WA to Mena, AR

(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens? Think it was back on the farm around 1976ish or so. I so hate plucking chickens- then I saw the "Wizz-Bang Chicken Plucker" on Youtube and it's like "Ohhh yeah, this'll work!!"

(2) How many chickens do you have right now? Zero- but once we get on the half acre in Mena, I'll have roughly .25ish acres (The Back Yard) to put them on. Uncertain how big of a flock I should have.

(3) What breeds do you have?

(4) How did you find out about BackYardChickens.com? Search engine- I think I stumbled upon the idea from Youtube and then I just typed in "Urban chickens" or something similar.

(5) What are some of your other hobbies? KD7KBG, 1981 Honda CX500C with a pull behind trailer, and thinking of going back into locksmithing part time.

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share. Been everywhere, done everything- Started out in the Army, became a Drill Sgt with the 104th Tng Regiment 2nd Battalion back in 1988, Boeing engineer from 1988 to 1996, repaired copying machines all over New England based out of Burlington, MA. Came back to Washington when my Dad was dying- and I've sold cars, drilled wells, worked as an electrician, and finally did what my hearts desire was- to be a locksmith. Finally medically retired as one of the top locksmiths in the United States but that crap about "Retirement being a goal"? Nope,,,Nopers,,,it sucks. So going back to the farm. Going to Mena because the land is cheap and I've got friends there since the family's dead or have moved on.

Half of me wants to attend Sunset School of Preaching; the flip side of that coin is the former Army Drill Sgt who knows the best way how to swear and is a very base person. Such as the spiritual war continues...it doesn't help that I damaged my brain while in the Army so I'm now 100% disabled per the VA and Social Security. I can't hold a job but I might be able to work for myself- I don't know, but willing to take a shot at it.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Hi! Wonderful update! It was a pleasure reading your journey to this point. You had a plan and got it done, with a sense of humor!

 

[Trailltrader]

6 years have passed since I first posted. The Garden that can feed 12 people is almost completed- and drained my wallet. Now, to concentrate on the Coop is my next goal.

I had asked on the Facebook page how many chickens/situation would I need to feed 12 people. I came up with a flock of around 300 birds- I have the space, just not the money to build it- YET. So I'm leaning towards using PVC as my run as it seems to be the least expensive considering the size of run I wish to build (40 by 80 feet)

So the planning continues. With God Almighty's help I can do all things.

 

[DobieLover]

6 years have passed since I first posted. The Garden that can feed 12 people is almost completed- and drained my wallet. Now, to concentrate on the Coop is my next goal.

I had asked on the Facebook page how many chickens/situation would I need to feed 12 people. I came up with a flock of around 300 birds- I have the space, just not the money to build it- YET. So I'm leaning towards using PVC as my run as it seems to be the least expensive considering the size of run I wish to build (40 by 80 feet)

So the planning continues. With God Almighty's help I can do all things.

300 birds! Eggs and meat?

 

[rjohns39]

You've made a ton of progress. Thanks for the update.

 

[sourland]

Great update. Wishing you continued success.

 

[rjohns39]

When I raise CX, I use an 8x8 brooder for the first three weeks. I use an 8x8 chicken tractor that get's moved daily (twice per day near the end) for 35 days. I can house 40 birds in the tractor. I feed them an 18% protein broiler feed from end to end. My goal is for the birds to dress on average at 6lbs at 8 weeks. Plan your freezer space accordingly.

 

[rjohns39]

Get the right type of feeder and you’ll only have to feed once a week to once a month. I personally like the giant drums that are feed converted and would do it myself if the goats let me. Just a suggestion from one lazy person to another

I use that method for my layers, but would fear the mortality rate for CX would be through the roof.

 

[Trailltrader]

Update on Mena- I sent a letter to each of the City Board asking to get a zoning variance to own chickens. Their reply was "We don't care what livestock you own just don't abuse them and you can't raise them for commercial purposes". Very cool!

 

[RebelEgger]

Hello from Nova Scotia and welcome to BYC! You’ve joined a great and resourceful community! Enjoy your journey!