[Jacob-list] Chicken Info Please

[athome mom]

Hi All,

I've been reading with interest the comments on how chickens will
keep down the fly population. I am seriously thinking about adding
some to the farm, but I'm am not versed in chickenry, could someone
please tell  me how to get started and how many I need.

Also, do I need a rooster to be with the chickens too. Don't laugh
but do the hens need a rooster to produce eggs, somewhere in the
back of my mind I think the answer is yes, but I"m not sure.

I've got some room in the barn to build a few roosting boxes, but
I will need for them to be free range. I have a 4' chain link fence
surrounding my sheep pasture, will they fly over this and escape,
can you clip their wings so they won't fly over it?

What is the best breed of chicken to buy. We know a good auction house
close by where we could buy some, but I want to know the best breed
to use for this purpose and get some good eggs too.

I've been begging my better half for years to let me get some chickens and 
after reading the posts the past week he now thinks it's a good idea and is 
out in the shop planning some roosting boxes. We have a wayward rooster who 
roams the neighborhood, maybe he'll be interested
in staying here if I bring in some hens. I saw a chicken slaughter once and 
I don't think I'd be interested in growing them for food, but I would enjoy 
some fresh eggs.

Thanks in advance for the help.


Tina Bowman
Azalea Farms

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