Interested in getting my first chicks - a few random questions

Welcome! A mixed flock is great, and gives you a chance to develop favorites. If you have picked a hatchery, you are committed to what they offer, so start with their breed type list. Do they sex day-old chicks, or guess, or sell straight run? I would vaccinate for Marek's if they offer it! 'Organic' means only organic feed, including all table scraps and what's in your yard. No herbicides or pesticides for several years before free ranging, and you will need to look it up for more information. Medicated chick starter generally has amprolium to slow the growth of coccidian, and is approved for use in organic flocks. It IS NOT an antibiotic, and may save you having to use medication to treat chicks sickened from coccidia. It's generally a good choice, and finding out the hard way that your soil has lots of coccidia isn't better. Build the biggest coop you can! More space is always better, and your flock may grow (chicken math!). Deep litter is by far the easiest way to manage your coop, and won't smell up the neighborhood. I find RIRs and sex links to be pretty aggressive, and no longer have them in my flock. Chanteclers, Australorps, Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks, Easter Eggers, all good choices IMO. The Favorelles are very nice, but timid in a mixed flock. Mary
 

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