I've tried out a variety of breeds to see what one(s) would best meet my needs. I want to keep some chickens for eggs (I have a separate meat flock) that are good free-rangers, efficient with feed, and tolerant of the summer heat out here in the desert, as well as able to escape predators fairly well. I've tried Plymouth Rocks, Old English Game, Cornish Game, Cochins, Brahmas, and Easter Eggers...but so far I have been most impressed by a trio of American Games I got from a local farm. They are not laying yet, but they require very little feed to keep in good condition, and are running around at full speed while the others are panting in the shade during hot weather. Not to mention they are just plain beautiful birds, and very fun to watch because of how much attitude they have. I am thinking of going back to the place I got them and getting more, this line of birds has apparently been running wild on this farm for about 40 years with no interference from humans, so they should be very well adapted to living in the desert. The only issue seems to be keeping them penned up, the ones I already have are always escaping the coop when I want them inside. That could get to be a problem if they don't want to lay in the coop!
I can't find much information on their laying habits, as they are not usually kept for egg laying. I know they aren't the best layers, they won't ever rival a sexlink or leghorn, but I can sacrifice some of that for being affordable and hardy, since they eat less I can keep a bigger number of birds to make the number of eggs I need. (I will also have some of other breeds too) I have seen that they will only lay from late spring to mid summer, is that true? About how many eggs on average do they lay per week? Would keeping artificial light on them in the winter make them lay later into the year? I know they are good at being broody, at least this particular line is, and I like that idea also.
I can't find much information on their laying habits, as they are not usually kept for egg laying. I know they aren't the best layers, they won't ever rival a sexlink or leghorn, but I can sacrifice some of that for being affordable and hardy, since they eat less I can keep a bigger number of birds to make the number of eggs I need. (I will also have some of other breeds too) I have seen that they will only lay from late spring to mid summer, is that true? About how many eggs on average do they lay per week? Would keeping artificial light on them in the winter make them lay later into the year? I know they are good at being broody, at least this particular line is, and I like that idea also.
