Virginia

[PinkBee]

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!

Mtn Laurel... Wow... I am VERY appreciative of your taking the time to write all this! Thank you so very much. You have given me a great deal to work with now. Thank you!

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Mtn Laurel... Wow... I am VERY appreciative of your taking the time to write all this! Thank you so very much. You have given me a great deal to work with now. Thank you!

Oh, I'm so glad you saw the post! Was afraid you'd not see it and almost sent you a private message. I'll admit to being biased as I'm a 10th generation native of the region and love it. However, wish I was back "home" in Fauquier County. The old "you can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl" syndrome.

In case you're wondering how to pronounce "Fauquier", here's a little graphic the local paper created to assist newcomers,

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/557085_554742711227510_650486995_n.jpg

Let us know when you get re-located and Good Luck!

 

[SoManyHats]

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!!!

I don't heat either. If you did heat, you'd have to make sure to have back up in case the power goes out. Yours will be used to the cold, and as the other poster said, just make sure they have cover. They'll be fine.

 

[Galtice]

I don't heat either. If you did heat, you'd have to make sure to have back up in case the power goes out. Yours will be used to the cold, and as the other poster said, just make sure they have cover. They'll be fine.

That is good to know they have plenty of room inside and warm water but for some reason are all acting normal running about so I guess they don't mind the cold as much as I do lol

 

[SoManyHats]

That is good to know they have plenty of room inside and warm water but for some reason are all acting normal running about so I guess they don't mind the cold as much as I do lol

I used to baby mine - make them go in the coop during cold rain, etc. Then I figured they know better than me. A couple days ago it was raining and barely 36 degrees and they chose to be out in it all day. One even got out of the yard and too wet to fly back in to go to bed. When we went out to close up the coop, she was huddled under a bush. But despite that, and almost freezing temps that night (plus we have an "open air" coop), she was alert and happy the next morning. Even laid an egg first thing.

 

[HaplessRunner]

Oh, I'm so glad you saw the post! Was afraid you'd not see it and almost sent you a private message. I'll admit to being biased as I'm a 10th generation native of the region and love it. However, wish I was back "home" in Fauquier County. The old "you can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl" syndrome.

In case you're wondering how to pronounce "Fauquier", here's a little graphic the local paper created to assist newcomers,

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/557085_554742711227510_650486995_n.jpg

Let us know when you get re-located and Good Luck!

I graduated from Fauquier High school in 1973. My family has been in the Remington area since 1960. There is a good chance that we may know each other.

I now live in Lovettsville area of Loudoun County. I also agree with your comments on the growth of all things in northern Va.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I graduated from Fauquier High school in 1973. My family has been in the Remington area since 1960. There is a good chance that we may know each other.

I now live in Lovettsville area of Loudoun County. I also agree with your comments on the growth of all things in northern Va.

OMG, this is just too cool. I'm a 73' Fauquier Falcon, too. A high-school reunion on BYC!

Am at work right now but will send you a PM to see if we know each other. You and I were on opposite ends of the county but I bet we know each other. My family has been in Paris VA since mid 1800's.

Will send you a PM when I get home!

 

[Flowerbh]

We just got our daughter some new serama bantams for her home. At least one of the chicks turned out to be a boy. Is there anyone near Leesburg who would like a male serama? Is there anyone who could trade or sale her a Serama pullet?

 

[DufferChick]

I am so glad to find this VA thread on BYC. I am from Loudoun county, outside of Leesburg, VA. I want to start networking and attending local swaps and shows.
I browse BYC forums almost everyday.

I started raising chicks this past September. Next year I will start trying to hatch partridge rocks. I have two lovely, heathy PR hens and a non-aggressive PR rooster. I also have 2 light brahmas and 2 barred rocks.

I want to get a couple more hens - perhaps Easter Eggers - ones that lay blue/ green eggs.

My coop before building the run. I already wish I had a larger coop!

 

[Maggiesdad]

I am so glad to find this VA thread on BYC. I am from Loudoun county, outside of Leesburg, VA. I want to start networking and attending local swaps and shows.
I browse BYC forums almost everyday.

I started raising chicks this past September. Next year I will start trying to hatch partridge rocks. I have two lovely, heathy PR hens and a non-aggressive PR rooster. I also have 2 light brahmas and 2 barred rocks.

I want to get a couple more hens - perhaps Easter Eggers - ones that lay blue/ green eggs.

My coop before building the run. I already wish I had a larger coop!

Welcome, DufferChick!