1. How many, and what breeds do you own? Any roosters?
-We have 2 buff orpingtons, 2 easter eggers and one barred rock, unknown if they are roosters, but we have no intent on keeping them if they are. Plans to add on next year and year after to get flock to a total of 9
2. How did you decide those on breeds?
-We did some research and had planned for those breeds, but that was what the feed mill had the day we got there.
3. How is your coop and run set up? Would you change anything if you could? Feel free to send a picture!
-In the process of building our coop this weekend, will send photos as the week goes on if that is ok
4. Do you allow for free range or foraging time? If so, how is that space defined?
-Birds will be allowed to forage, but in a simple chicken tractor, we have a bird dog that is a little too interested in the flock
5. How do you winterize your coop/run?
-We built a privacy fence against our windbreak to keep a majority of the wind from blowing snow into the run. We will add plastic on the lower half or so of the run as needed so the birds can access it all winter. The pop door will be open every morning with the exception of extreme days, and the space between the roof and the ceiling will be covered only with hardware cloth, not enclosed, no insulation, no heat lamp. Discussions about coupla also
6. What are the best tips to save time/money on maintaining your flock?
-Chickens are slobs, important to have a feeder that minimizes them perching on it and pooping in the food. Also, one that they can not scratch the food out of, mine like to do that.
7. How do you handle medical care for sick or injured birds? At what point do you see a vet or euthanize?
-If the remedy is fairly simple, we will home care, otherwise, no issues with humanely dispatching the bird
8. Do you have dogs or cats as well? Any issues with pet vs. chicken attacks?
-Dog was mentioned, he can be trained, just not a priority right now.... turtle seems to leave them alone
9. Do you know the zoning restrictions on chickens for your county or town? Did you have to fight to be allowed to keep poultry?
-Village of Maine has zoning restrictions on the number and size of buildings we can have on our property because of it's size (3 acres) our neighborhood had a set of covanances when the subdivision was created restricting us from having any livestock. We took a plan in to the village and had to have a couple discussions because we felt they were not interpreting their words quite correctly ( they were not) and spoke to the 2 houses in our subdivision that we felt could potentially be an issue ( they will not be)
10. What is the hardest thing about keeping chickens that people may not be aware of?
-Chicken Math!!!
