Welcome to Smoking Meat Forums Ida- I think you'll find our poultry section most useful. Hope you don't limit your smoking to just yardbirds, beef and pork are great on the smoker as well.
I tried to raise chickens several years ago and gave it up; seems like every chick that I bought were roosters and the City ordanance didn't allow roosters.
Thanks for the Welcome, Dutch! Glad to be here!
I am definitely going to smoke and grill as many different kinds meats as possible.
We also have a flock of ducks; Blue Swedish and Mallards. I am pretty excited about trying out some duck...gotta get that smoker built first though!
I must say, the ducks are a LOT quieter than the chickens and roos. A lot less drama too (as long as it's not mating season!) and they are MUCH more hardy during the winter months.
Some day, when I'm feeling brave, I might try raising a pig, BUT for now...the birds are enough of a handful! I also have a "Cow and Pig Guy" out further in the country who sells whole pigs and such
...so that works good for me! Cheaper, too.
It's a bummer about city ordinances and roosters. Those Roos can be a nuisance....UNLESS they end up in the freezer. And if they go to the freezer, shouldn't be a problem too much. Usually by the time I here a "Cock-doodle..."; into the pot they go. And MOST of the time, it is hard to even tell they are roosters before that point. But, I do agree, it seems that there are always way more cockerels in a hatch than there are pullets. I found the best solution for me, was to get a bunch of day old chicks and cull out the meaties. I live in the country though, so unfortunately, not everyone has this option...
They also have older pullets available through the web, I'm sure you are probably already aware. WAY more expensive...
Anyway, can't wait to get a nice looking smoker out there! This site is sure to come in handy.
Best,
IdasChickens