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Barnyard Buddies:                  Your Dream Chickens   | 
                
              
              
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                 one_dog_per_acre 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1572 Posts
  
                Trish 
                Sandpoint 
                ID 
                
                USA 
                1572 Posts  | 
                
                  
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                 farmmilkmama 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                2027 Posts
  
                Amy 
                  
                Central MN 
                USA 
                2027 Posts  | 
                
                  
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                 sissarge 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                502 Posts
  
                Linda 
                Montgomery 
                Texas 
                USA 
                502 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 17 2012 :  12:25:56 AM
                        
                      
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                      Oh, Amy, I have had naked necks in the past, and they were so loving, I absolutely loved them.  One day, 2 stray dogs came while we were at church, and as we drove up drive way, they were leaving with one in each mouth.  I ran to the yard, only to be heartbroken,  my beloved Blondie, was not to be found.  I called and called and we walked the property which is 30 acres.  Finally, my daughter said mom listen, I could hear a noise coming from the trees, and we found her with a hole in her throat, we took her to the house, cleaned her up, and we doctored her neck, and my daughter sewed her skin back together,  she never made clucking noises again, just gutteral sounds, but when I would go and get the wagon to feed. she would ride, and make the rounds to all the animals with me.  I had her for 4 more years, and one morning she was laying under roost.  I cried and cried.  I missed my friend.  Never had another like her.  But if you get the chance, I hope you are not disappointed with them.  I plan on getting some next spring.  Been working on my houses.. The above story, happened about 12 years ago.  And mine came from the mcmurray hatchery.  Farmgirl #946  Linda
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                 ceejay48 
                Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter 
                      
                13859 Posts
   
                CeeJay (CJ) 
                Dolores 
                Colorado 
                USA 
                13859 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 17 2012 :  06:48:22 AM
                        
                        
                      
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                      Some that could be free range and not absconded with by predators!  :) I grew up with hundreds of laying hens and another house full of "fryers" so I'm not real excited about them. However, I would have some IF, and I really mean IF, there weren't so many predators around.  Skunks are a major issue!  But there are bears, mountain lions and coyotes roaming right through our property! CJ
  ..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665. 2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
  living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
  from my hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
  the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
  from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
  from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com | 
                     
                    
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                 Megan 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                    
                155 Posts
  
                Megan 
                Hudson 
                South Dakota 
                USA 
                155 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 17 2012 :  09:29:04 AM
                        
                      
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                      my dream chickens are Swedish Flower Hens from Greenfire Farms which i got this year, and Buff Laced Wyandottes which we are trying to make for the US because they are only in the UK. so after lots of research i found that our first attempt wasn't right so we are trying again next year, it will be 3-5 years worth of breeding to get color, conformation, and breeding true every time.
  www.rockriverexoticsandkennel.net | 
                     
                    
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                 SandraM 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                     
                295 Posts
  
                Sandra 
                Coldwater 
                Michigan 
                USA 
                295 Posts  | 
                
                  
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                 acairnsmom 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1319 Posts
  
                audrey 
                cheyenne 
                wy 
                1319 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 17 2012 :  11:29:00 AM
                        
                      
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                      Sandra, I'm boring too.  I got two Buff Orpington and two Light Brahma this year.  I think next year I'll get some barred Rocks.  I seem to like the large bodies types (maybe 'cuz they resemble me?)   
  Audrey
  http://prairiecairncottage.blogspot.com/
  Good boy Hobbs!  I love and miss you. | 
                     
                    
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                 one_dog_per_acre 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1572 Posts
  
                Trish 
                Sandpoint 
                ID 
                USA 
                1572 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 17 2012 :  5:01:48 PM
                        
                      
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                       If you're not farmgirl of the month, then I don't know who could ever be!quote: Originally posted by sissarge
  Oh, Amy, I have had naked necks in the past, and they were so loving, I absolutely loved them.  One day, 2 stray dogs came while we were at church, and as we drove up drive way, they were leaving with one in each mouth.  I ran to the yard, only to be heartbroken,  my beloved Blondie, was not to be found.  I called and called and we walked the property which is 30 acres.  Finally, my daughter said mom listen, I could hear a noise coming from the trees, and we found her with a hole in her throat, we took her to the house, cleaned her up, and we doctored her neck, and my daughter sewed her skin back together,  she never made clucking noises again, just gutteral sounds, but when I would go and get the wagon to feed. she would ride, and make the rounds to all the animals with me.  I had her for 4 more years, and one morning she was laying under roost.  I cried and cried.  I missed my friend.  Never had another like her.  But if you get the chance, I hope you are not disappointed with them.  I plan on getting some next spring.  Been working on my houses.. The above story, happened about 12 years ago.  And mine came from the mcmurray hatchery.  Farmgirl #946  Linda
 
 
  
  “It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown | 
                     
                    
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                 one_dog_per_acre 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1572 Posts
  
                Trish 
                Sandpoint 
                ID 
                USA 
                1572 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 17 2012 :  5:04:14 PM
                        
                      
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                      You are my HERO!  Importing chickens?  Whoever imports LF Silkies will be rich!  You better take part in coming egg swaps, lady!quote: Originally posted by Megan
  my dream chickens are Swedish Flower Hens from Greenfire Farms which i got this year, and Buff Laced Wyandottes which we are trying to make for the US because they are only in the UK. so after lots of research i found that our first attempt wasn't right so we are trying again next year, it will be 3-5 years worth of breeding to get color, conformation, and breeding true every time.
  www.rockriverexoticsandkennel.net
 
  
  “It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown | 
                     
                    
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                 batznthebelfry 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1257 Posts
  
                Michele 
                Athol 
                Ma 
                USA 
                1257 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 17 2012 :  11:48:39 PM
                        
                      
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                      All & any chickens are my favorite...Each one that comes to me has a different personality & attitude, I have had blue & gold (buff) orpingtons, frizzle, silkies, RI reds, leg horns, americanas, tons of easter eggers & a sarama....I have loved them all....I never turn away a chicken but have had to send a few to someone elses freezer camp because of meanness but even the mean ones I loved & cried when they had to go......Michele'
  Chickens RULE! hen #2622 theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com | 
                     
                    
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                 shanda 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                522 Posts
  
                Shanda 
                Broken Bow 
                OK 
                USA 
                522 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 18 2012 :  05:18:23 AM
                        
                      
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                      This may be crazy, but you did ask for my dream chicken...ones that travel well! I'm seriously thinking of the RV lifestyle. With my kids and family spread out it's sounding better and better every day. (in a few years, once my youngest is settled down). I figured I'll be mostly in the same two states so I can carry my plants around without shocking them too much. But chickens? hmmm.
  Warning...silliness to follow. I'd love to put a platform (like thoughs used to carry extra stuff) on the back of my RV and build a very safe, securly fastened coop on it. With some moveable fencing, a yard would be quick to set up. Yes, I am a dreamer! ha
  Dream Chickens...where are you???
  Shanda
  Farmgirl #4233 | 
                     
                    
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                 edlund33 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1515 Posts
  
                Marilyn 
                Renton 
                WA 
                USA 
                1515 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 18 2012 :  06:35:52 AM
                        
                      
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                      My dream birds from the Greenfire list are the Hedemora, Swedish Flower Hens and Tolbunt Polish.  I'm with CJ...any chicken breed with the ability to fight off predators would be a plus!  That is the main reason I don't have chickens at this point in time - our neighborhood doesn't allow chickens so I'd have to keep them at our shop property where there are a plethora of critters that would make short work of a flock of hens.
  Cheers! ~  Marilyn
  Farm Girl No. 1100
  http://blueskyanddaisies.blogspot.com
  Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson | 
                     
                    
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                 Lorie.Vance 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                     
                200 Posts
  
                Lorie 
                Tampa 
                FL 
                200 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 18 2012 :  07:38:28 AM
                        
                      
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                      I love chickens! They all have such personalities...LoL! I started with three then adopted a fourth about a month younger that had been abused by much older hens. At first, my girls (Bitty, Birdie, and Hattie) were what I called the three wicked step-sisters. They would shun the new girl (Fannie) and peck at her, but after a few weeks of isolation and a few come to Jesus meetings with the rest of the girls, they are all happy and living in peace. My dream is to move up north and have a few acres and lots of chickens!
 
 .JPG) 
  The Vintage Garden Girl @blogspot.com | 
                     
                    
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                 sissarge 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                502 Posts
  
                Linda 
                Montgomery 
                Texas 
                USA 
                502 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 18 2012 :  07:51:48 AM
                        
                      
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                      | Oh Michelle, you are my hero, the last 3 years I have always enjoyed reading your posts.  And you are the top lady for chickens.  I think I have told you this before, just wanted to tell you that I love the "freezer camp" expression, that was great!  I also noticed " someone elses".   You are on my bucket list, I hope one day, to get to meet ya!  Have a great day all!   Farmgirl #946  Linda | 
                     
                    
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                 batznthebelfry 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1257 Posts
  
                Michele 
                Athol 
                Ma 
                USA 
                1257 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 18 2012 :  10:36:31 AM
                        
                      
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                      oh Linda you made me cry dear hen...what a sweet & nice thing to say....the 'Freezer Camp' is from my dear friend Mary who also does as I do, gives a chicken to someone else's freezer camp cause we both name & love our kids too much to do that to them if the time comes....plus now in this house we never say we are having chicken for supper...its a small turkey so my in-door sicky ones don't hear it...lol....Oh and Shanda I used to take my 1st roo on rides with me in our car...he loved it!....All that I have had in the car will just lay down unless you take a curve too fast or stop too fast...then they get a bit upset but never had one fly thur the car like a crazy cat......Michele'
  Chickens RULE! hen #2622 theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com | 
                     
                    
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                 YakLady 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                652 Posts
  
                Natalie 
                  
                Montana 
                USA 
                652 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 18 2012 :  9:38:13 PM
                        
                      
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                      I don't have a "dream" chicken, but I would really like to have every color available in my egg basket. 
  I have chocolate, brown, and green. Now I want Olive, white, blue and pink :)
  If I had all the money in the world, I'd get Chocolate Orpingtons... the proper English ones. But, I don't have the cash flow for that haha!
  ~Hen 4316~       Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.   Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs.  | 
                     
                    
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                 prariehawk 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                2914 Posts
  
                Cindy 
                  
                  
                2914 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 18 2012 :  11:22:37 PM
                        
                      
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                      I want some silkies. Our town is working on an ordinance for keeping chickens. Apparently it's OK if the neighbors don't complain. I have two empty house in back of me and I'm afraid if I get some chickens, people will move in who don't like them. Guess I need to read the ordinance and find out exactly what it says.  Cindy
  "Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor "In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
  Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ | 
                     
                    
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                 YakLady 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                652 Posts
  
                Natalie 
                  
                Montana 
                USA 
                652 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 19 2012 :  12:24:11 AM
                        
                      
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                      If you have a real cute coop and only hens, many times people don't even notice :) Helps to make the coop look like a bling-ed up dog house...
 
  ~Hen 4316~       Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.   Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs.  | 
                     
                    
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                 one_dog_per_acre 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1572 Posts
  
                Trish 
                Sandpoint 
                ID 
                USA 
                1572 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 19 2012 :  1:30:50 PM
                        
                      
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                      They're over here on craigslist for $80/chick.  Yikes!  We are going for the rainbow egg carton.  quote: Originally posted by YakLady
  I don't have a "dream" chicken, but I would really like to have every color available in my egg basket. 
  I have chocolate, brown, and green. Now I want Olive, white, blue and pink :)
  If I had all the money in the world, I'd get Chocolate Orpingtons... the proper English ones. But, I don't have the cash flow for that haha!
  ~Hen 4316~       Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.   Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs. 
 
  
  “It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown | 
                     
                    
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                 YakLady 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                652 Posts
  
                Natalie 
                  
                Montana 
                USA 
                652 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 19 2012 :  1:44:45 PM
                        
                      
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                      quote: Originally posted by one_dog_per_acre
  They're over here on craigslist for $80/chick.  Yikes!  We are going for the rainbow egg carton.  
 
   Oh yeah! They were imported from Britain, so give it 10 years and the price should come down :)
  ~Hen 4316~       Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.   Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs.  | 
                     
                    
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                 crittergranny 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1096 Posts
  
                Laura 
                Lindrith 
                NM 
                USA 
                1096 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 20 2012 :  11:00:23 AM
                        
                      
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                      Oh I'm with you Natalie, I'm in it for the eggs. All colors and I like them big except for the itty bitty bantam eggs. My daughter raises show chickens and I get her rejects..LOL but I do like ISA browns. They hold the record for most eggs and largest eggs laid. They lay big brown whoppers. I had a bunch of them a few years ago till a bobcat cleaned me out. I want to get some more. They look like red stars, pretty plain really. I think randall burkey sells them but haven't checked in a while. I haven't had the money to order any. Laura
  Horse poor in the boonies.
  www.nmbarrelhorses.com | 
                     
                    
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                 plantcarazy 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                    
                116 Posts
   
                Jenn 
                  
                Montana 
                USA 
                116 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 21 2012 :  06:38:01 AM
                        
                      
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                      I love all my chickens- they follow me around all the time like they think they are dogs!!  They are so sweet.  My new breed this year is the two Delewares, what a hearty chicken!  The barred rock is a new breed for me too, usually I just have buff orpingtons.
 
 .jpg) 
  .....getting back to my roots again..... | 
                     
                    
                       Edited by - plantcarazy on Jul 21 2012  06:38:46 AM | 
                     
                    
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                 YakLady 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                652 Posts
  
                Natalie 
                  
                Montana 
                USA 
                652 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 21 2012 :  11:38:26 AM
                        
                      
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                      Delawares are great, I hear! A lot like Buckeyes in the mousing way :)
  ~Hen 4316~       Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.   Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Highland cattle, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, Silver Fox rabbits, and a few dogs.  | 
                     
                    
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                 one_dog_per_acre 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1572 Posts
  
                Trish 
                Sandpoint 
                ID 
                USA 
                1572 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 21 2012 :  2:30:41 PM
                        
                      
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                      ISA Browns were developed with a gene gun.  quote: Originally posted by crittergranny
  Oh I'm with you Natalie, I'm in it for the eggs. All colors and I like them big except for the itty bitty bantam eggs. My daughter raises show chickens and I get her rejects..LOL but I do like ISA browns. They hold the record for most eggs and largest eggs laid. They lay big brown whoppers. I had a bunch of them a few years ago till a bobcat cleaned me out. I want to get some more. They look like red stars, pretty plain really. I think randall burkey sells them but haven't checked in a while. I haven't had the money to order any. Laura
  Horse poor in the boonies.
  www.nmbarrelhorses.com
 
  
  “It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown | 
                     
                    
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                 crittergranny 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1096 Posts
  
                Laura 
                Lindrith 
                NM 
                USA 
                1096 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 21 2012 :  2:49:28 PM
                        
                      
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                      Oh Jenn your chickens are so pretty and fluffy, and that beautiful grass, I'm jealous! Laura
  Horse poor in the boonies.
  www.nmbarrelhorses.com | 
                     
                    
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                 crittergranny 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1096 Posts
  
                Laura 
                Lindrith 
                NM 
                USA 
                1096 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Jul 21 2012 :  2:55:22 PM
                        
                      
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                      I have found that silkies are very good mothers. And very cold hardy too. Laura
  Horse poor in the boonies.
  www.nmbarrelhorses.com | 
                     
                    
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Barnyard Buddies:                  Your Dream Chickens   | 
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