Venting-Soooo Confused And Frustrated

[txplowgirl]

My problem is we're only allowed to have 6 chickens in our backyard in town. I want MORE darn it.

I want dual purpose birds for eggs and meat but I also want to raise pure heritage but I want several different types of heritage birds to sell and I don't want to eat the heritage birds.

On top of that my mother, who is 77, lives next door and she wants me to get at least 1 Dominique, she was raised with those. She can't do chickens herself, she's just not up to it health wise.

I want to get 1 Buff Orpington Rooster and 4 hens but I don't want to eat them. Main reason for getting chickens is to raise our own meat and eggs. But I love the Orpingtons, mainly because from what I understand is that they are the most docile and gentle to handle and they are beautiful to me.

 

[lcwmt]

Can you put a second coop (that you will maintain) on your mother's property? That would give you a total of 12 chickens, and spread the work across the properties.
Three of my pullets are Buff Orps, they are lovely birds.

 

[junebuggena]

If you plan on hatching and raising chicks, you need to have a plan for what to do with any extras that don't sell. And what do you plan to do with all the cockerels you will end up with? Dominiques crossed with a Buff Orpington rooster will produce sexlinks, making it easy to tell which are males and which are females at hatch. Maybe keep you breeding flock on your property and keep your grow-outs next door at your mom's.

 

[txplowgirl]

I suggested that but my mom doesn't want birds in her backyard. we had several discussions and as much as she loves chickens she dosent want them on her property. Can't talk her into it. She's very adamant on that. Maybe after I get whatever I get she'll change her mind but I don't think she will.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Are roosters even allowed where you are? Most towns won't allow them.

 

[junebuggena]

Then I guess hatching is out of the question for you right now. Since your mom refuses to assist with with space, she really shouldn't have any say in the breeds you choose. Your flock, your property, you choose the breeds. If she wants Dominiques, she can get her own.

 

[txplowgirl]

If you plan on hatching and raising chicks, you need to have a plan for what to do with any extras that don't sell. And what do you plan to do with all the cockerels you will end up with? Dominiques crossed with a Buff Orpington rooster will produce sexlinks, making it easy to tell which are males and which are females at hatch. Maybe keep you breeding flock on your property and keep your grow-outs next door at your mom's.

They'll all be going in the freezer, it's just the thought of killing a heritage breed that may be starting to become close to being endangered that just goes against the grain. Know what I mean?

 

[txplowgirl]

Are roosters even allowed where you are? Most towns won't allow them.

Yes, as long a they don't disturb the neighbors. If they do and there are complaints then I have to get rid of it.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with JB on this one!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I recommend that you start small, work within your city rules, and save up money for larger property.

You can teach yourself a lot with a small flock. If you can have a rooster, 1 rooster with 5 hens makes a breeding pen. You could sell fertile eggs if you have a nice line of Buff Orpingtons, or Dominiques.

Volunteer at the local 4H to increase your skills.

Read everything you can on flock management, breeding, genetics, care.

And save money for a larger property.

Your dreams are way bigger than your property size, but you've got a lot of learning that can be done on small scale....my daughter did all she could on our 1/3 acre....now she is married and living the farm life on 90 acres.

Get those skills where you are, then grow.

My suggestion.
LofMc