I do not have aproblem with them be skittish. They probably aren't as tame as the other breeds you mentioned, but I don't spend alot of time babying them.
As long as it is still in the hull(known as rough rice) it is OK. It doesn't offer much nutrional value. Mostly used in feed just as a filler. There are thousands of acres of rice around where I live.
I ordered 25 ISA Browns from them a few weeks ago. Chicks were healthy and are doing good. Mine were shipped priority, but I am way closer to them. They are not a hatchery themselves.
I have had a Dickey for 4 years now and have not had a problem. Get the automatic humidity system with it. I have hatched numerous types and of eggs in it with no problems.
Either too many chickens for the space you have or lack of protein. Feed them some cheap catfood and they should feather back out pretty quick. The other way to help solve this problem that alot of people object to is to trim the upper 1/3 of the top beak off.
What is the best breed of chicken for production of large eggs? Color of egg doesn't matter. I like the Ideal 256, a sex link type, or a production red.
What is the best breed of chicken for production of large eggs? Color of egg doesn't matter. I like the Ideal 256, a sex link type, or a production red.