Another Newb

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762 said:
Hello everyone. New here and will try not to ask dumb questions and use the search tool first! Getting ready to find some new chicks and build a coop while they start to mature. Seems like it would be nearly impossible to prohibit interbreeding without a lot of work, I want to find the right breed of dual purpose bird. I don't want to cross-breed anything because I want the natural traits of the birds I choose to remain intact. We want eggs but also, eventually meat.

From what I've read, Orpingtons seem pretty perfect. Forage well, generally too big for hawks but relatively quick on the ground for their size, 4-5 large eggs per week, great brooders and mothers, and good size for eating. What else could you ask for (I'm sure I'll learn the answer to that!)? Will do some more digging and maybe post this question in the breeds section. Thanks eveyrone!
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Welcome to BYC, thank you for joining our flock!
Orpingtons are not large enough to deter hawks, unfortunately. Ever thought of using bird netting? Stringing it across large areas really does help, if you have the time and money (and if the area the chickens are in is not massive.)
 
Glad to meet you. Good for you doing a lot of research and planning ahead of time. I am not aware of any chicken breed that is too large for a hawk to kill. Sorry about that. But Orpingtons are a great dual purpose breed, and a nice kindly bird to start with. If you either don't free range them or free range them with lots of safe places to hide and YOU out there to watch, it's much safer. The birds do love free range, and it lowers your food bill somewhat during all but winter months. But you will almost certainly lose a bird or two to hawks or other predators. Welcome to Back Yard Chickens, and best wishes!
 

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