I am putting up a privacy fence in the back yard and have decided to get a couple of chickens. The city said that it would be okay. Any advice for a first time chicken farmer? This project will happen this spring by the way.

Lisa can probably give better advice than me. You need to keep the chicks warm under a heatlamp in a box of some sort until they are big enough to go to an outside coop. They do need access to protection from the elements when outside. Keep the water fresh everyday and keep the food clean too. There's different breeds, some are better for raising for meat, others are just nice to look at(I like the buff colored roosters the best). Be sure that no other animals can get in the yard to eat the birds or their food. I have a possum to catch right now because of the food issue.

If you're looking for pets, I'd recommend(SP) white or Mallard ducks.

Pets only according to the city anyway. Okay, so different breeds are better? I'll check into that. With ducks though wouldn't I need to keep the wings trimmed?

If pets, then go for looks. Lisa can name the breeds when she sees this. Yes you need to trim the wing feathers, it's easy to do. Our ducks are still here yet and they could fly away if they wanted. There's only 3 now. One must have gotten caught by something. We like to get bulk day old bread to feed them. Just make sure you don't mind them crapping on your porch while they are waiting for you to treat them. That's a petpeeve(pun intended )of ours. If you get ducks, if you keep handling them as they grow they will be used to that and won't mind hanging with you as adults.

Now we get to buy jim some overalls hehehehe LOL

Jims new store farm and barn

I don't know about that one. But TSC works for me.

Don't forget the straw hat and the length of straw to chew on.

Sorry I thought it was chickens you were raising not sheep.

I've been a baaaaaaa'd boy!

This is something you need to keep private between you and your sheep,its none of my business.

Is this what your looking for?

all this chicken talk has to have the Farmology Director involved.

Chickens and Roosters are the best, should be respected and cared for with patience and understanding

Hail all fowl

There's a farm down the road that has goats for sale if your interested. With goat milk you could make your own cheese.

I have thought about that also.

Jim stay a city boy.

A city boy that milks goats and makes cheese.

I think its more like make goat sounds & Cut the Cheese