New Urban Chickener

Hi Everyone,

So I've been snooping around the website for several weeks now and decided it was time I created my own account and started asking questions. I've been doing a lot of research online and am getting conflicting information so I figured this would be the best place to start looking for definitive answers from the pros. This year I am starting a new endeavor of raising a few chickens in my back yard, mostly for fun, with the added benefit of getting some eggs now and again. I am absolutely NOT looking to raise chickens to eat. These are going to be pets for me. I've always loved chickens personalities and have wanted a small flock of my own for as long as I can remember. I've come the conclusion that 2016 is the year I'm going to make it happen!

Here is what I am still wondering:

-Since I am primarily having these birds as "friends", my best pick for breeds are either going to be Buff Orpingtons or Silkie Bantams. Are there other breeds I should consider besides these two?

-Beings I live in an urban setting my flock can be no larger than 4 birds and all have to be hens. Can I have two of each breed in my flock and still maintain a harmonious coop? I.e.- 2 silkie hens and 2 buff orpington hens? Is this a good idea? If no, what are the consequences?

-Where can I find breeders in my area that will only sell me a couple chicks? I live in Wichita, KS but am more than willing to drive up to 200 miles to pick up my babies. Every hatchery I have called will only sell a minimum of 10-25 chicks. Also, TSC and other COOPs have said they don't carry those two breeds, that they primarily sell the breeds that are egg layers and friers. I have yet to find a breeder listing anywhere on the internet.

Thanks for having this site available to us newbies and thanks in advance to anyone that can help me with these questions.

Regards,

Jason in Wichita

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

Glad you joined us at BYC

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to joined the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC.

Hi and welcome to BYC. I'd suggest posting on your state thread asking for guidance re: where to get the breeds you are looking for. As for the actual breeds you mention, just bear in mind that they will be significantly different in size. I seem to recall reading that some members keep bantams separate to other breeds, but i'm pretty sure others mix them with no problem. I guess it depends on the size of the run you are intending to build, or whether they are going to free range your garden. I'll let members with specific experience answer that question more fully.

As for choosing breeds - if you are not looking for laying machines, then the floor is open. All members have their favourites. Maybe check out the breeds forum and see if any others take your fancy. There are also specific threads on some breeds so there should be enough to help you decide.

I wish you all the best in your impending chicken adventure!

CT

Hello and Welcome!

I have both Silkies and Orpingtons and in my experience I've found both to be calm and friendly breeds. I do not keep mine together as my Orpingtons are quite large, well over 8 lbs while my Silkies are much smaller (maybe 2 lbs). So they live in different coops because I don't want the Silkies getting squished. I've found I can let them free range together they don't really bother each other. I would also caution you that it's pretty hard to tell a silkie's gender as a chick, so you might want a plan B on what to do if you end up with a rooster.

Check out the Where am I? Where are you? section of the forums for your region and post about what breeds your looking for. Now is a great time to catch BYC people hatching for spring. Or if you have other friends/neighbors planning chicken adventures you could combine your orders and might meet the minimum for a hatchery order.

Have fun and good luck!

The name of your state thread is Consolidated Kansas, put that in the Search box (upper left, under the logo) and you'll get there. That thread catches my attention because I grew up in NE KS.

There are bantam size Buffs, those might be a better fit with the silkies (but might be more difficult to find especially if you just want a couple).

Good luck to you!