Hello. We are looking for some input on breed selection and what age is best to bring them home.
We are planning on having 6-8 egg laying hens, and would like to have a mix of breeds if possible (~2 each). Likely candidates that we’ve identified include; Buff Orpington, Barred Rock, Black Australorp, Black Star, Araucana/Ameraucana. The key is we want the flock to all get along with each other, as well as be generally friendly towards us. And be capable of living in Northern Michigan We are open to other breeds as well, with the preference for brown eggs…quantity and size of egg less important.
So question #1 is….are the breeds mentioned good choices? Any better options we should consider in the mix?
And question #2….with a mix of breeds, do we need to get them as day-olds? Or would getting them at 4-6 weeks or started pullets be OK as far as them socializing/growing as a flock? Depending on the answer to this question, it will dictate our options as far as what we can find availability/timing-wise.
Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide!
We are planning on having 6-8 egg laying hens, and would like to have a mix of breeds if possible (~2 each). Likely candidates that we’ve identified include; Buff Orpington, Barred Rock, Black Australorp, Black Star, Araucana/Ameraucana. The key is we want the flock to all get along with each other, as well as be generally friendly towards us. And be capable of living in Northern Michigan We are open to other breeds as well, with the preference for brown eggs…quantity and size of egg less important.
So question #1 is….are the breeds mentioned good choices? Any better options we should consider in the mix?
And question #2….with a mix of breeds, do we need to get them as day-olds? Or would getting them at 4-6 weeks or started pullets be OK as far as them socializing/growing as a flock? Depending on the answer to this question, it will dictate our options as far as what we can find availability/timing-wise.
Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide!