Greetings from Seattle!

[The Hungry Dog]

Hi - I'm new to this site and am looking forward to learning lots about urban farming. My family and I raise 6 chickens in our backyard and grow about 30-40 edibles on our city plot every year.

I also like to write about our experiences and have just written an article that will soon be published in Modern Farmer about raising backyard chickens. If you'd like a preview - check it out here: http://thehungrydogblog.com/2014/05/backyard-chickens-dummies/

Also, I have a 9 month old cuckoo maran that has not started laying. All of my other hens are currently laying but for some reason she is not. Any ideas?

Enjoy!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Welcome, from Texas!

Can't wait to read your article! No idea why your maran isn't laying. I don't think they are the best of laying breeds anyway...so maybe she's just taking her sweet time. I bought some one time and after the 20 minute move to my house they didn't lay for almost 4 months...CRAZY!

Gonna go read your article now...

 

[Marianne]

I know nothing about Marans. But welcome to the group!
Loved your article and style of writing. Just a suggestion, check out how to do fermented feed for your girls. Easy to do, saves you $$, healthier girls and way less smell in the coop! Honest.
Plus, you can hang one of those vanilla tree air fresheners in the coop to chase out the flies (post haste!!) or put one by your sitting table when you're out there having a Zen experience. LOL They are fun to watch, aren't they.

 

[The Hungry Dog]

I know nothing about Marans. But welcome to the group!
Loved your article and style of writing. Just a suggestion, check out how to do fermented feed for your girls. Easy to do, saves you $$, healthier girls and way less smell in the coop! Honest.
Plus, you can hang one of those vanilla tree air fresheners in the coop to chase out the flies (post haste!!) or put one by your sitting table when you're out there having a Zen experience. LOL They are fun to watch, aren't they.

Thanks Marianne - I'd never heard of the vanilla thing. Will try it out soon!

 

[Denim Deb]

 

[Joel_BC]

Hi. Welcome. Do you do much DIY? Post pics.

 

[baymule]

Welcome from a small town in east Texas. I live on a city lot just a few blocks from City Hall. I keep 20 hens in the back yard and raise a garden in beds in the front yard. I manage to raise a lot of what we eat. I butcher old hens and the occasional rooster from a straight run. I don't keep a rooster so I can stay on good terms with my neighbors!

Even though you live in town, you can do a lot to raise a lot of your food. Great article on raising backyard hens! I rotate my hens, getting 6 chicks in the spring so that they start laying in the fall, then butcher 6 old hens. this way, I have a steady supply of eggs and I enjoy the soups and dumplings I make from the old hens.

 

[Hinotori]

Welcome! I missed this and a lot of other posts with me being busy. But I do wish you a hearty welcome

 

[Britesea]

Welcome to our madness!