8 pens and 12 breeds. How do you pick?

[Pathfinders]

Quote:
Yikes! That is crowded. Less than 5 sq ft per bird.

I agree, I wouldn't put that many birds in a 10x10 pen. I might put 5 large fowl in such a place, no more.

Personally, I think it's better to pick one or two breeds than to spread yourself too thin. Think quality rather than quantity. Deep rather than broad. And honestly, your birds will be much happier if you give them much more space in which to roam.

I'm a big Buckeye fan, fwiw.

 

[High Roost Ranch]

Quote:
Yikes! That is crowded. Less than 5 sq ft per bird.

I agree, I wouldn't put that many birds in a 10x10 pen. I might put 5 large fowl in such a place, no more.

Personally, I think it's better to pick one or two breeds than to spread yourself too thin. Think quality rather than quantity. Deep rather than broad. And honestly, your birds will be much happier if you give them much more space in which to roam.

I'm a big Buckeye fan, fwiw.

I agree with Laura. Start small, take it slow and learn as you go. There are enough cull birds out there, choose to breed from the best you can. For example, trying to figure out what exhibition breeds were going to give us a little variety and work well for us, we went through several breeds before finding our niche. Over the last 6 years, I've narrowed it down to 5 breeds (out of about 20) for the most part between my daughter and I for bantams, plus call ducks. Something else you should consider too is comb type if you are in the north and don't want to deal with frostbite on the combs of the males. Single combs are more susceptible to frostbite. Combs that are tighter to the head do better in northern colder climates. The more room you can give your birds, the less stress and disease your birds will experience. Overcrowding is the quickest way to end good intentions.