Hello from the Yoop | BackYard Chickens

Hey there, you can call me J or Kilo, either is fine. 40M living off-grid in a remote area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Though I raised chickens for many years in the past, I’ve now been chickenless for an equally long period of time. I’ve always been able to resist the temptation when passing by the brooders set up at the local feed store, that is until a fateful day this May when I gazed upon the most striking fluffballs I’d ever seen — little smoky, wispy gray babies who were labeled ‘Sapphire Splash’. A quick search on my phone revealed they grew up to be spotted, and at that point, there was no hope of me walking out of that store without them. So I acquired six Sapphire Splash puffballs and one Mystery Chicken that was unlabeled and in the wrong brooder and the employees were unsure of what exactly it was and where exactly it was supposed to go (but my friend was enamored with it, and what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t offer to buy and house a chicken for them? )

They’re maturing into lovely young ladies (and gents; there is at least one rooster, possibly two? I’m a bit rusty on picking out roos after all these years) and are thriving in their temporary coop while I work on plans for their future permanent home which, of course, is designed to allow for the inevitable chicken math. Come spring I’d like to find some SOP/show quality Wyandottes and possibly Faverolles. I’m interested in genetics and the idea of starting a few breeding projects down the line.

I believe the Mystery Chicken to possibly be a Blue Copper Marans, but would love to hear your thoughts and guesses on her breed!

I also share my cabin with three 8-year-old Siberian Huskies, one Siberian/German Shepherd mix [Embark page here], and a clowder of cats. The Sibe/GSD mix, Tachanka, is the newest addition to the family. At 7 months old he shows great promise as a sport prospect. He’s already been introduced to lure coursing, and as he matures, we’ll be exploring dock diving and weight pull for him. The three Sibes are all accomplished sled dogs and seasoned bed warmers.

Dog sports are obviously a big passion of mine; aside from that, my free time is spent taking care of the general upkeep and neverending projects that go hand in hand with being a hermit in the woods. I’m looking forward to being a part of this community and reading about everyone’s chicken adventures and admiring pictures of your lovely flocks.