Let's say that i wanted to get some eggs this coming year... I'm trying to figure out timing on getting chickies I'd like to get them outside as soon as it's safe. How long should I realistically expect to keep them in the house before they can go outside? (I'm in Kentucky, so weather is weird to say the least.) I was thinking that if they have to be kept in for 6-8 weeks, then I could get them in January, and by early March it would be warm enough to move them to the barn? The barn is currently unheated. I'm a planner.. I like to have schedules. As far as types, I was thinking 2 barnvelders, 2 black starrs, 3-4 Ameracunas, 2 welsummers, 2 mille fluers, and 2-5 silkies So some egg chickens, some pet chickens. No roos. I want eggs, not an alarm clock. Is that too many different kinds? I was hoping for a variety of eggs...
I heard that the best time to get some chickies is spring......But it's ok to have some at a different season...... Keeping them in the house......6-8 weeks is right because most problems of poultry keepers are that the chicks aren't kept in a heated brooder(place where chicks live for 6-8 weeks) on their first few weeks of life. You can place the brooder outside, just make sure that they're safe from predators, safe from weather and place it where you can watch over them regularly. But it's better to keep them inside or by the window at least. You can let them outside for maybe an hour every other day to let them have fun but be sure to watch over them. Types: There are three types of birds: egg layers, meat birds and dual-purpose. Egg-layers are best at egg-laying but not so good at meat, meat birds have high meat quality but are poor egg layers. They are also strong on eating and pooping and they grow fast and usually have a short lifespan because of heart problems. Dual-purpose are those that are excellent egg layers and have high quality meat. Chickens have different personalities depending on their breed; some are calm, sweet, friendly and tame, while some are aggressive. Roosters are generally aggressive at times. Egg Chickens: Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds and Orpingtons. Leghorns are famous all over the world for their egg-laying capabilities(300 eggs a year per hen) but they can be quite excited and noisy. They are egg-layers. Rhode Island Reds are one of the most popular breeds in the world: Excellent Meat and Fascinating Egg-laying capabilities. They are great dual purpose birds. They are also friendly and tame, safe for kids. Great breed. And the orpingtons are great dual-purpose birds, too. They lay around 150 eggs a year per hen and great meat quality. They are also docile and sweet. Pet Chickens: Silkies. They are famous pets because of their calm nature. They are very broody(likes to hatch eggs and take care of chicks), making them excellent mothers. They are also different from the other breeds: 5 toes instead of 4, black skin, flesh and bones, very furry and fluffy, and have down instead of feathers. They do not lay much and their meat looks quite unappetizing because of the black color. But if you want pets, the Silkies are an excellent choice. Good Luck!
Lyndatu has given you great advice on egg-laying! And I can add that I have those 3 varieties- buff orps, rir and white leghorns, and they are all so friendly! We buy and raise them- all different times of the year, but they all do lay best in the spring! We don't eat any of our chicks so I cannot comment on the meat end of the breeds. You'll love your new life style!
Good deal... i'll plan on getting them some time in January or February then, and get them acclimated through march Thanks!