Reply #5: Elvis is the man!

[wildeyed]

Sounds like he is just what you needed. I have read that in areas with many predators or if you have a large flock, a roo is a necessity. In our small suburban yard, no roosters allowed. I hope to have four chickens, although I bought five chicks to be on the safe side. They are all color/sex linked so hopefully I got all hens. My backyard is fenced and not very fancy, so there is not much other than the veggie garden for them to get into. I will definitely fence that off when they are old enough to roam. I have been reading and researching backyard chickens for awhile. I tried to pick breeds that were good layers and had a reputation for being friendly. They sound like pets with benefits (eggs) ;) I think we will enjoy having them as a family, and I KNOW we will enjoy the fresh eggs once we get to that stage.

How big is your flock? Do you prefer certain breeds? Have you butchered any? I eat chicken, but don't know if I could eat a pet chicken. We shall see, if it ever comes to that. Right now we are only planning for eggs.

Here is a fuzzy picture of one of the chickie babies. I will take better ones later.



On edit:

Here is the coop design I am eyeing. It is movable and could be relocated to OVER my small raised garden beds in the fall. Automatic fertilizer!

http://coop-deville.com/Coop-Deville/Chicken%20Coop/pictures_files/page1-1002-full.html