Well...Mr. MoonCat and I are being dragged into becoming chicken farmers! In addition to everything else we've got growing around here, we're going to be mom & dad to poultry! I'm sure you're all extremely excited now, but we're really just going to get a handful of hens and maybe one rooster. But we're committed - we want fresh eggs!
I've been doing a lot of research on which types of hens I want and have narrowed it down to a few. I would love to get input from any of you that have or have had chickens. My dad has a bunch of the bantams out at the ranch that are a real kick and pretty, but I've decided I want some of the larger breeds as I may decide to sell eggs at the farmer's markets this year along with my herbs and veggies. Since you need about a dozen of the little banty eggs to make an omelet, I don't think that is quite what I'm looking for. Because we are who we are and know HOW we are, the little chooks will most likely become family pets. So I've eliminated the types that are bred specifically for meat as I still don't like to meet or get to know my dinner.
So what do you think? Are we even crazy(ier) than before?
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Great idea. I think you could also sell the chicken poop as organic fertilizer...I know I'd love to buy some! And I'd love to buy some of your fresh eggs too.
ReplyDeleteSewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Isn't it a natural progression? Cats, dogs and then chickens! I wish we could have them here! It would give the outdoor cats something to play with! I'll say prayers! LOL!
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ReplyDeleteThat natural progression is exactly what I'm afraid of! :)
ReplyDeleteWe haven't even got the chicks yet and hubby is already talking goats and calves.. He forgets that I did that growing up and know how much work is REALLY involved. And I know WHO would get the brunt of it!
Especially with baby calves - I had 17 bottle babies one winter. 4:30am feedings so I could get to school on time. UGH!
Great minds...I was already thinking I could compost the chicken poop for the garden. Yay, more POOP!
Since I'm all about multi-purpose/use (except for eating my pets), I was also leaning towards using the chickens in the garden for some natural bug defense. (Once the plants are all big enough - I know the darn birds will eat the seedlings and blooms if I don't plan accordingly..) Of course, then I might not feel bad about eating them...jk, sorta..
Poop is good! I didn't have animals growing up, but I know what A LOT of work it is! I say do it while you are young because you are definitely younger than me and The Herbal Husband. I do remember that Elliot Coleman (gardening author from Maine) built a coop for his ducks and he would move it around the yard to distribute the poop. It was called Duckingham Palace! I can't make these stories up! Enjoy what you are doing because life is getting shorter every day! Take care Julie and Mr. Mooncat too! I know you will make the right decision for both of you.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am looking forward to many chicken stories and chicken photos! :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Birgit
We had Rhode Island Reds when I was growing up. They were hardy and layed a lot, plus they're pretty, so that's my vote.
ReplyDeleteI'm a misplaced country girl living in town, a small town but still a town. Someday we will get back to our country roots and chickens will be a must. Can't beat those fresh eggs!
I love Duckingham Palace - hysterical! I had read about these little mobile coops, I think they call them "tractors". Could be a problem confusing them with the 4 wheeled John Deere out back!
ReplyDeleteRhode Island Reds are definitely on the list. My Dad said they had that breed as kids too and in his words "They were layin' Jessies!" (I have no idea where "Jessies" comes from, but I think it's a good thing!) :)
We're also thinking about Amercaunas and a couple of other heavy egg producers. I have to admit I want some eye-candy birds too so I've got a couple of pretty pretties on the list as well. We'll have to narrow it down soon due to reality, but it's fun making a wish list.
I agree with you Daddy, Rhode Island Reds are good layers but I also like the Araucunas because of their beautiful pastel colored eggs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sandra about the Araucunas, pretty eggs. If you are only into getting eggs I don't think I would get a rooster. Unless you plan on candleing your eggs and raising chicks! I personally love to hear a rooster crow in the early morning hours.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea and I look forward to hearing more.
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