How did I miss this thread? Way back in the day I was being self sufficient and raised chickens. 200 a year for the freezer and 12-20 for eggs and just cuz they are pretty. All the advice on breeds is spot on, I had kids collecting eggs so wouldn't have a leghorn on the place...too flighty. Barred rocks, Rhode Island reds, Cornish cross, Australops all good meat birds as well as egg producers. Don't let barred rock roosters get too old, they get mean and tough. We butchered one for his bad habits and even the dog couldn't eat him! It looks to me like you have a good setup and things will be fine. We cleaned out the coop a couple of times a year, chicken poo is a hot manure and you have to let it air out or it will burn your plants. If it sets for a while it will be okay to use.
I really miss my chicks but live in a small rural town that doesn't allow chickens inside city limits. Actually is probably ok as my back wouldn't handle lugging cracked corn anymore lol. So my chickens are concentrated to figurines, plates, collectibles in my kitchen. I will definitely enjoy your pictures. Thanks for bringing up some great memories.
I really miss my chicks but live in a small rural town that doesn't allow chickens inside city limits. Actually is probably ok as my back wouldn't handle lugging cracked corn anymore lol. So my chickens are concentrated to figurines, plates, collectibles in my kitchen. I will definitely enjoy your pictures. Thanks for bringing up some great memories.