trying to learn as much as possible before taking the leap

[peepsnbunnies]

Welcome neighbor!!

I am in Highlands County, is that anywhere close to you? You will find answers to all your chicken questions here from lots of friendly folk. Best of luck to you with your new arrival

.

Lisa

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome. Get ready to meet some really nice people.

This link gives you characteristics of chicken breeds. It does not include the crossbreeds which may suit you better. The crossbreeds (called sex links because you can tell their sex at hatching by their color) are usually good egg layers and probably have a better temperment than the purebreed egg layers like leghorns. I say probably as chickens are like people in that every one has their own distinct personality. If you wanted a dual purpose chicken, good for eggs and meat, this opens up the possibilities a little, Astralorps, Orpingtons, Dominiques, Sussex just to name a few.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

As far as getting information, your public library should have several books that give good information. You can also read a lot here. I find several good sites at land grant universities such as NC State, Texas A&M, Purdue, Mississippi State, Kansas State and many others.

One thing to remember is that there are many different people in many different circumstances keeping chickens for many different reasons. People keep chickens for meat, for eggs, for meat and eggs, as pets, for breeding programs, to try to win grand champion at a show, or many other reasons and all are valid. Management practices are different for different people. What I'm getting at is to take any advice you get from any source, including me, and filter it through your unique corcumstances. Keeping chickens does not have to be hard. Just learn the basics apply them to your circumstances and you should enjoy the experience.

 

[TrishChibas]

THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE ADVISE. THAT IS A GREAT IDEA TO GET 1 OR 2 FUN BREADS JUST FOR THEIR SPUNKINESS. I'LL DEFINITELY HAVE TO DO THAT!

 

[debilorrah]

 

[yodercountrygirl]

from Missouri

I am doing the same thing you are. Don't have any chickens yet, still in the building stage. I am doing alot of reading here too!!! It is great!!
Good luck with then new little one!!

 

[n-da-woods]

Hello and

from NC

 

[countrygirlatheart]

From huffman, Texas

 

[Pepperwolfe]

Lake County FL here.

I'm returning to chickens and a few other things. I have 10 acres to work with so I'm going to be busy. You'll love this site.
I was stumbling around the 'net one day and found this place. Now I have a coworker I'm trying to get on here. After talking with her she's afraid she'll get addicted!
Nope.. Can't happen here. Cool, calm, and collected about chickens around here.

One thing I've noticed.. surf around the site. I've found answers to things before I had to type a question.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Glad to have you here!