Virginia

[ki4got]

@ki4got I didn't get them from anyone in VA. I just moved to VA. Haven't been gilmanor not sure where that is.

ok well you said you moved here in June... 11 weeks puts them at hatch the week of September 16. Gilmanor was September 21 near Richmond...

so where did they come from then? I'm in Roanoke Co, Leigh lives down by the lake.

 

[Galtice]

Does anybody know of anyone in the Roanoke or surrounding areas that sells call ducks??? A friend gave me a lone duckling have no idea what breed he is feel bad for the little guy but I am being picky about my ducks I only want call ducks lol

 

[daffy428]

I am in Rockingham County, I have eleven 4 1/2 week old pullets(hopefully!) they just went from brooder to coop 2 days ago and are doing well. 3RIR, 2BA, 2BO, 2BR, 1 GLW and 1 SLW. I ordered them as day old chicks from Healthy Chicks and More, and they are very healthy. It has been so much fun to watch them grow... And I have learned so much from this website and several books. Thanks BYC!!

 

[HaplessRunner]

I am in Rockingham County, I have eleven 4 1/2 week old pullets(hopefully!) they just went from brooder to coop 2 days ago and are doing well. 3RIR, 2BA, 2BO, 2BR, 1 GLW and 1 SLW. I ordered them as day old chicks from Healthy Chicks and More, and they are very healthy. It has been so much fun to watch them grow... And I have learned so much from this website and several books. Thanks BYC!!

Welcome to the world of chickens and BYC!

 

[Galtice]

Welcome to the world of chickens and BYC!  

I'm new to BYC to it has been a lifesaver! The people are very helpful!

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Looks like I may be moving (back) to the DC area and am hoping to find get some help from you all. I used to live in NoVA, Fairfax County, but moved to FL about 5+ years ago. In the meantime, I've gotten into beekeeping, aquaponics, fairly intensive gardening, and now quail (I would love a couple chickens, too, but can't where I am.) Anyone have any suggestions for an area close enough to commute into DC (hubby works downtown) that would also allow me to continue or expand my micro farming passions? I would really like an area that allows all these things without it being a code enforcement nightmare. Thanks for ANY info!

Someone has already recommended Loudoun Co. and you'd probably need to go to at least Purcellville or further west on Rt. 7. I've not lived in Loudoun in many years but visit there and it's so grown up now that I hardly recognize it. The Lovettsville area in Loudoun might work for you, as well.

Other options would be northern Prince William Co. but you must live within the "Domestic Fowl Overlay" on the county map and have at least 2 acres to be able to keep chickens. Even with 2 acres you're limited to 20 chickens. The more acreage = the more chickens you can have. The great majority of the northern section of PWC is included in the overlay but much of the Gainesville/Haymarket area has built up so that it's difficult to find a 2+ acre plot. Most of it is really large tracts or subdivisions. I'm currently in PWC. There are commuter lines to DC including the VRE train and a bus route that leaves several times each morning from numerous stops in the region, including Manassas and Gainesville. Of course, there's always the option to drive to Vienna to catch the Metro Rail.

I'm thinking your best bet for agricultural activities would be Fauquier County. Specifically out Rt. 28 heading towards the Bealeton area. It goes through communities such as Nokesville, Catlett, Midland. Another option would be the more northern Fauquier area near Marshall/The Plains. Prices in Fauquier are much better than Loudoun/PWC for most everything. I live in PWC and my daughter is in Fauquier. We always fill up our truck with gas in Fauquier when we go to visit her as the price of gas is significantly lower. Larger tracts of property are more common and Fauquier considers itself an agricultural county. The commute to DC would be more difficult as you'd have to drive into at least Gainesville or Manassas to participate in any public transportation. The Rt. 50 area of Fauquier is a bit more expensive to live in as it's considered "horse country". Fauquier is near-and-dear to me as I was raised there.

In any case, you'd want to check with the individual counties on laws as I'm sure they're different between communities within the county. Welcome back to NoVa and Good Luck!

 

[Galtice]

As a newbie to chickens I'm a little worried about this storm we are supposed to have! Is there any extra precautions I need to take??

 

[SoManyHats]

As a newbie to chickens I'm a little worried about this storm we are supposed to have! Is there any extra precautions I need to take??

Just make sure their water doesn't freeze. Do you heat your coop?

 

[pysankigirl]

as long as they have cover from the elements, they should be fine. They walk around in little down coats, after all!

I've been told that in Virginia Chickens have more to fear from the heat of the summer than from winter...it just isn't all that cold here.

 

[Galtice]

No I do not hear their coop with a possible inch of ice I just feel bad I wouldn't leave my dogs out so I feel bad leaving those guys and gals out! They have a large coop more like shed I guess maybe I'm being a little paranoid. I have heard that they have a harder time with heat just concerned for the babies!!!