2026 Chick Thread!

[The Bougie Coop]

I was just about to ask where you got your barnevelders from because I als ordered barnevelders last year and both died from what I can only describe as failure to thrive :/ it made me wonder if the breed was more susceptible to health issues

I have read that Barnies can be more prone to Marek’s but don’t know jow accurate that is. I wonder where Meyer’s parent stock came from. I hatched out some DSL Barnies and they are doing very well at 5 weeks now.

 

[Windy Wings]

1. What breeds are you getting?

2. How many?

3. Are you hatching, getting day olds or started pullets?

4. Are you going to raise them yourself or let a broody do it for you?

Go wild and when the time comes, post pictures!

1. Looking for suggestions, hopefully some that lay fun-colored eggs!
2. No idea...probably not 19 this time tho.
3. Day olds!
4. Raise them like I did with my others, though this time with more experience

 

[FrostRanger]

1. Looking for suggestions, hopefully some that lay fun-colored eggs!
2. No idea...probably not 19 this time tho.
3. Day olds!
4. Raise them like I did with my others, though this time with more experience

Can't go wrong with easter eggers IMO, especially if you want colorful eggs!

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

We ordered our chicks today! LORD JESUS willing we will have 17 chicks in August

 

[SourRoses]

SLW, they came from a hatchery (farm store purchase) and I wasn't very impressed with them. They didn't lay very well and they weren't very big eggs for the size of the hens, they were bullies, ate a ton, one was a feather picker and ate the ends of everyone else's feathers.

X2! We must have gotten the same line from hatchery stock, because the SLW we tried were obnoxious.
Orps are darlings!

 

[2ndTink]

X2! We must have gotten the same line from hatchery stock, because the SLW we tried were obnoxious.
Orps are darlings!

I haven't had Orpingtons yet, but I won't be getting SLW again

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

We got a wide variety to try since we've never gotten chicks before, and we aren't sure what we really like as far as full blooded goes
speckled sussex
green queen
buff orpington x 2
Meyer's Lakeside Egger
Welsummer
Silver laced wyandotte
golden laced wyandotte
partridge cochin
buckeye
olive egger
salmon faverolles
buff brahama
new hampshire red
barred plymouth rock

And we selected the two freebies of a hen and roo

 

[FrostRanger]

We got a wide variety to try since we've never gotten chicks before, and we aren't sure what we really like as far as full blooded goes
speckled sussex
green queen
buff orpington x 2
Meyer's Lakeside Egger
Welsummer
Silver laced wyandotte
golden laced wyandotte
partridge cochin
buckeye
olive egger
salmon faverolles
buff brahama
new hampshire red
barred plymouth rock

And we selected the two freebies of a hen and roo

I have 3 lakeside eggers, lovely birds! I think you'll like them!

 

[MagistraTn]

Idk, I thought they would be hardier from what I've read. I think next time for them I'll go more local and try again, because they are pretty. Where did you get yours from?

Also update, my husband decided he wanted silver laced wyandottes too. No experience with them but "they look cool." I'll be getting them instead of the orpingtons.

If anyone knows of good hatcheries or breeders specific to Barnevelders, let us know!

We have some 3 yo golden laced Wyandottes from cackle and they’re great. One girl (Bitsy) was so small and squeezed up into the corner of the hatch box we didn’t think she’d make it, but she’s just fine, albeit small. One was a rooster and he made the cut. He’s very beta, but an excellent papa to new chicks and encourages girls to lay eggs. They also lay more during the short winter days.

Thanks for the convo on barnevelders.