Opposite page : Allison with three Plymouth Rock chicks ; left : converted horse barn with secure outdoor run ; inset : Bobby surveying Bluebird Farmstead with his faithful companions .
heater and blankets for these gals , just a protected , dry place that is out of the wind and where they can huddle together for warmth .
After starting two backyard flocks with year-old-plus chickens from nearby farms , we decided in the spring to choose our ideal chicken breeds and raise them from chicks . We spent the winter pouring over chicken books , websites , and catalogues and settling on the right number to add to our flock . We wanted eggs of every color and we wanted birds that would be “ friendly .” We expected to be out of our suburban rental house and moved into our farmstead by the spring , so we hedged and ordered 25 chicks to arrive first to our garage in Annapolis . We were hopeful that by the time the chicks were ready for a coop , we would be on a larger property .
When we got the call that our chicks had arrived , it was a thrill to walk into the post office and hear them chirping . It gave us the giggles when we asked the postal workers if this was one of the strangest deliveries they received .
“ No ,” they said , “ you can ’ t believe what people send through the mail .” Chicks are just as cute as you think they ’ ll be . They do need some more attention and a heat lamp , but it is well worth it to watch them jump in a pile on top of oneanother and chase after bugs .
As the chicks grew , we continued to buy larger and larger tubs for the garage and keep an eye on our closing date for our new farmstead in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve . Weeks before we were set to move ourselves to our new home , we packed up the car with the chickens and chicks in the back and moved them into the converted horse-barn we would use as a chicken coop . We invited friends to come check out our new place , grab a beer , and help in construction .
Since moving to the farmstead , our flock size fluctuates around 20 chickens , four ducks , and one goose . Each winter , we select chicks from catalogues and we collaborate with friends to meet order minimums for specialty birds we want to buy . We dream and plan for building a mobile chicken coop to allow the ladies more room to roam on the property . We look for ways to bring our egg production even closer to home by sourcing local feed ( check out Homestead Harvest Feed from Ernst Grain and Livestock in Clear Spring , MD ). Most importantly , we share our passion for chicken-keeping with anyone who wants to listen . This has included our family , neighbors , and friends . We also lend a hand to those who are looking to downsize their flocks or have a rooster or two too many by welcoming those birds to our expanded Bluebird Farmstead family .
So , what do you need to keep a small flock of chickens ? Patience , a sense of humor , a love of learning , and the ability to cope with mud , poop , and loss . You also need : 1 ) a coop that has adequate space for the number of birds you intend
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