I've been wanting to get into backyard chickens for a few years now, and this spring we will be taking the plunge. I've been educating myself a lot over the past few months. Reading lots of books, watching a lot of youtube. The big decision to get going is that my kids all went to a summer camp with horses this past summer and wouldn't you know they seemed to have more stories and fun about the chickens! My kids are also old enough now that I will involve them in the chores and caring.
I live in a semi-rural area here in "the County", in a small village. We moved here from the "big City", Ottawa, about 5 years ago to enjoy the country life and be closer to my aging in-laws. I call it "semi-rural" since it seems like a good mix between city size properties and large farms. We have almost half an acre. I do a lot of gardening, my garden is about 30'x100'. I take most of the summer off to spend time in the garden and be with the kids. I also should mention that I work from home, so I feel quite confident that I am able to take the time/commitment required for Chickens.
Given that we do have neighbours somewhat close by, I am starting with hens only this year. My current plan is to order from a local hatchery, Performance Poultry. I understand going to breeders is ideal, but I haven't had a lot of luck locating any nearby.
I am working with 2 others to put in the order since we have to have 5 per breed, and we have agreed on:
Buff Orpingtons
SLWyandottes
Cuckoo Marans
Buckeyes
I plan on using the girls to help in the Garden, and will be pasturing them in chicken tractors, and making a mobile "chick-shaw". I'm a bit of a Justin Rhodes fan and will be utilizing a lot of the Permaculture ideas ... but those are longterm plans, which may also involve breeding and roosters ... but I'll work towards that on a yearly basis.
Anyway, probably a long-winded introduction ... but happy I found this forum and looking forward to participating in some threads and learning from y'all
to PTO!
