OK, so technically they are basement chicks, at least for now. But yes, it’s true — we’ve got chickens!
After much organizing, letter writing, signature gathering and city council meeting attending, backyard hens were finally given the go-ahead in my city. I could have actually gotten chickens quite a while ago (when the limited number of permits was opened up city-wide), but like all good things, planning and patience were involved. I can’t even say now that we have it all planned out, but we’re working on it. And with chicks in the basement that are growing bigger by the day, we have to have it all sorted by the time they need to spread their wings!
Oh, and hi by the way. Yes, it’s really me coming out of blog hiding (is that what it is I’m doing?) to share this fun news with you all. :) Happy Spring!
We chose a variety of chicks. I based my decision on some breeds based on what I’d read about their temperament, etc., and some choices happened because the kids each wanted to choose one for themselves and we were at the mercy of what the local feed store had in stock. Currently residing in our basement are a barred rock and gold-laced cochin (my choices), a production red (Ava’s choice), a gold sex link (Julian’s choice), and a black and white ancona (one that I thought looked cute). Our chicks are 3 to 4 weeks old and have recently started having some supervised playtime in the backyard. They LOVE it! Pecking around in the grass and dirt is apparently a fabulous thing when you are a chicken. I have to admit that they are pretty fun to watch too.
The two chicks pictured with our newish dog Piper (we got her in November 2011) are the same chicks Ava and Julian were holding in the first picture taken just two weeks prior. These little ones grow fast!
My husband has been scouring the ‘net looking for the perfect coop design for our feathered friends and so far we are both liking this free insulated coop design. The coops looks to be some pretty snazzy digs, including a solar-powered door and a deicer for the water in the winter.
I’ll be sure to update once our chickens have a permanent home in our yard and when that first egg comes you’ll probably hear me shouting from the rooftops! :) Bawk, bawk.
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Stumble it!
Tiffany (NatureMom) says:
Congrats! That is just too exciting. I want some really, really bad but we want to wait until we buy a house (we rent now). Someday!
March 14th, 2012 at 11:24 am
Sue Campbell says:
Congratulations!How exciting — the look on the faces of your kids says it all!
March 14th, 2012 at 11:45 am
Amber says:
Ooh, so exciting! One day, I’ll have chickens of my own. I swear it.
March 14th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Melissa says:
SO fun!
We got chickens about 3/4 weeks ago. It’s been a blast!
PS- I’m in Colorado, too. :)
March 14th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
Brenna @ Almost All The Truth says:
How fun! We have been thinking about getting chickens for two years now. Maybe next year!
March 15th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Janine says:
I’m so jealous! My mom brought home some chicks a few years ago. At the time, my husband and I were living with my parents and we loved feeding the “cheepies” and watching them grow. It was really sad when my mother had to move and get rid of the chickens, because as adults they were really just like her pets, very social. I also miss the fresh eggs!
Fun sidenote about the eggs: One of her hens refused to get off of her eggs… I guess it’s pretty common when a hen wants to have chicks. So my mother covertly slipped two new baby chicks into her laying area for her to raise. So cute!
I hope you and your family have a lot of fun with your new chickens!
March 15th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Sonja says:
Yay! I’m glad you’re back!
What happy chicken news… I’ve been browsing coop designs myself since my husband had the good sense to give in to my whining for chickens. :)
But since we’re having a (human) baby this spring, the chickens may have to wait a while.
March 15th, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Heidi says:
There is a movement here in Richmond, VA to allow chickens…enjoy yours! Fingers crossed that we will follow that road someday.
March 17th, 2012 at 9:46 am
erica says:
look how big your kids are!!!!! i’m glad you finally got your chickens.
March 19th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Gabe says:
Nice chicks. Our chickens started as basement chicks as well. Keep an eye on them, because they start spreading their wings and looking for roosts pretty quickly. I’m eager to see what you guys end up building for their coop.
March 19th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Willow @ My Own Trail says:
Welcome Back!!!!!!!! I hope you’re sticking around.
The new chicks (and the new dog) are so cute. Our “city” does not currently allow chickens, but there is a movement underway. I’m hoping I can add some feathered friends to my backyard next summer if all goes well.
March 29th, 2012 at 11:58 am
Glenn Verdult says:
Hello i am Glenn Verdult
I enjoy reading your articles
I am looking forward to read more..
April 11th, 2012 at 4:31 am
Liz says:
homemade eggs = awesome!
April 17th, 2012 at 5:41 am
Leslie says:
I LOVE chickens!!!!
bless. leslie.
May 1st, 2012 at 12:17 pm
niteorchid says:
Wow, I am surprised you got Longmont to change their regulations and allow you to keep chicks anywhere. I have been after my husband for a while now to allow me to get some farm animals. We live on 2.63 acres of farmland in TX. I would like to get some chicks, ducks, goats and possibly a calf to raise for the meat only. so far he is dead set against it but I think as prices go up in the stores for his favorite things I might be able to convince him.
May 11th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Eco Friendly Home Products says:
Exposing children to animals at an early age can be an effective learning tool. It’s a good way to teach your children responsibility for taking care of live creatures. It teaches them science as well. And of course the free eggs. So it’s all cool.
May 18th, 2012 at 3:31 am
Katja of Skimbaco says:
That’s so cool! Just wanted to say hi and that I’m sending you virtual hugs from Sweden where we live now.. it’s been a long time :)
May 18th, 2012 at 11:45 pm
shine @ Party Planning says:
Newbie here and Im loving your blog already. Will certainly be coming back for more.
June 7th, 2012 at 12:33 am
Kathryn says:
Congratulations! We have 6 hens and 2 chicks right now. They are so much fun!
June 22nd, 2012 at 12:00 am
igozen says:
Nowadays it’s great to see more and more people becoming self sustaining by purchasing chickens and harvesting their own eggs. Not only is it fun for kids but the hormone free eggs are the most perfect organic food for your family.
July 23rd, 2012 at 10:34 am
Backyard Chicken says:
Congrats on getting the approval!
November 12th, 2012 at 4:09 am
casual friday everyday says:
they are adorable!! awww.
January 16th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Alison says:
Now that you’ve had your chickens for over a year can you tell me which type has proved to be the best layer?
And I love the mention of the double-yolk eggs … it takes me back to my childhood when they seemed to be far more common.
May 15th, 2013 at 5:48 pm