Hi Y'all in Sunny Tennessee,
We live in Oregon, and my daughter has recently married a fine TN fellow who is an organic vegetable farmer in the Nashville area (he grows for several farmer's makets in Nashville and Franklin).
They have sojourned awhile in Idaho for an extended honeymoon and to help a friend get their farm up and running, but are planning to head back to TN to prepare for the start of the next farming year come fall.
My daughter would like to start a flock of chickens. She is animal savy (Vet Tech) but has not kept chickens before.
I keep chickens, but here in Oregon.
She would like to choose breeds that would accomplish several things for her in TN.
1. Good foragers that are especially good tick eaters. Hubby has had lyme disease and they would like to keep the ticks down as much as possible.
2. Good dual purpose...meat and layers. She has some dietary restrictions and fresh eggs are something she can have plenty of. They likely will sell some eggs at market, but most will go for home use. They would also like to eat the birds when it's time to retire them. (Yes, I know they are stewing birds by that time.)
I know generally what to recommend, but thought I'd get some specific local input.
So...what are your ideas?
Any input appreciated.
Thanks from Rainy Oregon
Lady of McCamley (who has visited your fine state and thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality)
We live in Oregon, and my daughter has recently married a fine TN fellow who is an organic vegetable farmer in the Nashville area (he grows for several farmer's makets in Nashville and Franklin).
They have sojourned awhile in Idaho for an extended honeymoon and to help a friend get their farm up and running, but are planning to head back to TN to prepare for the start of the next farming year come fall.
My daughter would like to start a flock of chickens. She is animal savy (Vet Tech) but has not kept chickens before.
I keep chickens, but here in Oregon.
She would like to choose breeds that would accomplish several things for her in TN.
1. Good foragers that are especially good tick eaters. Hubby has had lyme disease and they would like to keep the ticks down as much as possible.
2. Good dual purpose...meat and layers. She has some dietary restrictions and fresh eggs are something she can have plenty of. They likely will sell some eggs at market, but most will go for home use. They would also like to eat the birds when it's time to retire them. (Yes, I know they are stewing birds by that time.)
I know generally what to recommend, but thought I'd get some specific local input.
So...what are your ideas?
Any input appreciated.
Thanks from Rainy Oregon
Lady of McCamley (who has visited your fine state and thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality)