Well this way I'll have 6 hens. Or half a dozen to the other(I'll be here all week) I'm new to this stuff... I probably shouldn't start out with 40 although at this rate I feel I'll end up there rather quick.
Hello everyone. I'm new to the chicken raising world (and BYC).... and I mean NEW... been at it for 3 days NEW. I live in Decatur, AL and emailed the city official asking if I could have a backyard coop and they replied yes just no rooster and as long as the neighbors don't mind. I didn't ask the neighbors but when they saw me outside last weekend disassembling pallets and forming a structure they had a few questions. Then they pitched in with whatever scrap materials they had too. Turned out to be a pretty decent coop. I bought 4 RIR's Wednesday morning from a guy at work and got an egg that first morning and 2 eggs yesterday. None so far today...(was really looking forward to a nice sized omelete tomorrow morning.) So I have the 4 RIR's but does anyone know where I could fine 2 other hens to go with them in the north Alabama area. Not sure which breed I'm looking to add either. I'm open to some suggestions. I'm looking for some pretty good layers that are also good with kids (me too for that matter or else they'll be dinner lol). I've heard Barred Rocks maybe. Any tips on good feed stores would be great too. I heard that Tractor Supply stuck it to me when I bought their feed there Tuesday. Anyways I'm looking forward to hearing from everyone and maybe building a few relationships here along the way. Thanks.
Might try http://www.sandgpoultry.com/pricing.php he sells breeds similar to Orpingtons and barred rocks
I noticed I've got one large hen that is showing the others who's in charge already. She's cleverly been named Momma Hen by my son. Will the Ausralorp be able to get along with the others? Momma hens not aggressive but if she wants something and another hen is in her way she make them move for sure.Welcome to the site!
Personally, I like Black Australorps. They're relatively calm birds and good layers. I have a dominequ hen that is my most reliable layer, but she's skittish. My RIRs are actually my most aggressive hens. I'd steer clear of game hens as the tend to be very aggressive, at least, that's been my experience with them. They were terrific layers though.
I've thought about it but it seems like a lot of work. You need a heat lamp and several other things that I'm probably not up to speed on just yet, but I'm having a lot of fun learning. It's also pretty rewarding. Got 5 eggs in just 3 days so I'm definitely looking forward to breakfast in the morning.
I went to the co-op today and got some oyster shells. Plan on checking out valley next. Do you know where to get hens around here? Co-op said around Easter I can get 3 free chicks with a 50 pound bag of feed. Only thing is they're straight and I can't have a rooster in the city.
