Wanting to be a chicken mom

[msthomas]

Welcome!
Read a lot on here. Chickens are relatively low maintenance as compared to some other animals, but still can be a lot of work. I just encourage people to think about dealing with the chicken duties in all kinds of weather ( especially in Michigan!) when setting up your coop. Think about noise & smell if you have close neighbors. Highly consider not getting a rooster if you’re in close quarters- too many here end up having to get rid of roosters due to annoyed neighbors.
Chickens can be very rewarding , I love mine[/QUOT
We are not allowed to have roosters. Michigan weather is unpredictable to say the least, so I want to be prepared for anything. We aren't real close to any of the neighbors as we have a very large fenced in yard. My plan is to have a large secure run and attached coop, and eventually a tractor to let them roam safely to more areas of the yard.

 

[ashlierami]

Thanks for all the advice! I do want a hardy breed. It's gotten down to -40 wind chill this winter! Any suggestions on breed?
I'm looking into the deep litter method, especially for winter.

I would suggest orphington, Rhode island, Plymouth Rock, brahma. I have 5 girls and 2 that are about 4 months old. I get about 2 dozen eggs a week . We have had some rainy nasty weather so they haven't laid as much but I'm happy with what I get . 2 dozen a week is more than I even need!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Given your gender restrictions I would recommend sex linked chicks or at least sexed pullet chicks.

 

[drumstick diva]

So glad you joined us at Backyard Chickens. Hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.

 

[Cynthia12]

WELCOME! Nah, Chickens don't take much to raise them. Pretty easy.

 

[IamRainey]

It may be far less work than you're building up in your imagination. Bet it will also be much more fun.

You've already done the most important thing: connecting here and going into it with open eyes and good information.

My tip is put your money into a well-built and predator-proof coop and run. Everything else will come from reading and dealing with your flock. And it can all be adjusted to meet your and your chicken's needs as you develop confidence. You'll forget your start up expenses over time but you'll never be sorry you made your flock's environment secure from the elements and marauders and provided yourself that peace of mind.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!!

How exciting to be planning and preparing!

Feel free to check out the links below for some interesting reading. Good luck to you!​

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!