New to Keeping Chickens in VA

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, Caryn, and welcome to BYC!

I really admire pet rescues! That's awesome you do that! Julio is a B&G macaw rescue who joined our other one, Sophie, here in my home office. I was shocked how many birds they had awaiting adoption!

 

[CurlyChickenGirly]

Welcome! Glad you are here! Hope your journey to getting chickens is wonderful!

 

[Jenbirdee]

 

[CarynC]

Wow, thank you. I will definitely check it out.

 

[CarynC]

Welcome to BYC! Glad to have you here
Do you know what kind of poultry you want?

I don't. I live in the mountains so it would have to be a breed that is ok in heat and cold. It is just my husband and me, so we don't need a prolific layer. I would love a calm or average personality bird. I want to interact with them. I welcome suggestions.

 

[Debbie292d]

we don't need a prolific layer

Silkies are not considered prolific layers, although spring through fall most lay 5 or 6 out of 7 days. They tolerate heat okay for the two weeks we'll hit maybe 100F, and we do keep their coop to 40F in the winter with an oil-filled radiant heater so their water and eggs won't freeze. Although, in this sub-zero weather, I did let them out in the enclosed pen today for a bit as I felt sorry for them. They loved it, but scooted right back in after about 5 minutes.

Most breeds do this good, or better! Here's an article that lists most but not all breeds, and gives information about heat/cold tolerance, etc.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ide-to-picking-backyard-chicken-breeds.64518/

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC, Caryn!

 

[Jener8or]

Hi Caryn! Congrats on your new acreage and first step in your chicken venture! I've never kept parrots, pigeons or doves, but I bet you will love having chickens! It is nice you have helped rescue so many.

Thanks for joining and welcome to BackYard Chickens!

 

[Barbours]

I don't have chickens yet. I am working to educate myself to ensure I obtain a safe coop and good supplies for the chickens.

I am one of the founders of a New Jersey parrot rescue and have fostered parrots, pigeons, and doves for over 15 years. Where I lived in NJ I was not able to keep chickens. I recently moved to Shenandoah County and now have 10 acres.

After I have my coop and run set up, I want to bring in my first flock of chickens this spring.

Thanks,
Caryn

Howdy and welcome!!!

 

[featherhead007]

I don't have chickens yet. I am working to educate myself to ensure I obtain a safe coop and good supplies for the chickens.

I am one of the founders of a New Jersey parrot rescue and have fostered parrots, pigeons, and doves for over 15 years. Where I lived in NJ I was not able to keep chickens. I recently moved to Shenandoah County and now have 10 acres.

After I have my coop and run set up, I want to bring in my first flock of chickens this spring.

Thanks,
Caryn

Bet you’re tired of hearing “Polly wants a cracker!”