Hello there! This year my family decided to take the plunge and start our little backyard flock. I purchased what I thought was 2 ameraucanas, 2 barred rocks, 2 buff orpingtons, and 1 Rhode Island red from our local feed store. They were "90%" sexed, so I picked up an extra chick in case we lost one (we're not zoned for roosters)-- my target was 6 laying hens.
The more I read on BYC, the more I see cases of pullets turning out to be cockerels, and even 'pure' breeds turning out to be barnyard mixes. I wouldn't be too upset if any of my babies aren't the breeds they were promised to be, but I will be disappointed if I end up with fewer than 6 pullets in our flock.
Here are our 7 babies: the picture on the left was taken on 6/8, at 2-3 days old. The picture(s) in the center/right were taken 6/24, at approximately 3 weeks of age. Opinions welcome on confirmation of breed and any clues as to sex. Feel free to also comment on how absolutely precious they are! I'm in love with my girlies already!
Chickie #1: Ada. A buff orpington who grew much faster than her BO sister. Her feathers are also slightly deeper buttery yellow than her sister's.
Chickie #2: Summer Wheatley. The second BO, who is the smallest of the group and oh-so-sweet.
Chickie #3: Daphne. An "ameraucana," but probably an EE, yes? She is by far the largest and very curious. She thinks she can fly out of the brooder if she just keeps at it. Silly girl.
Chickie #4: Bambi. Another "ameraucana," and my favorite. Am I allowed to have favorites? When I put my hand down into the pen, she immediately runs over and hops on. My social little sweetheart!
Chickie #5: Princess Leia. A barred rock, and the smaller of our two rocks. A little on the shy side. She has a smaller, more defined white spot on her head than her sister.
Chickie #6: Queen Amidala. The other barred rock, and larger than her sister. She has a much larger, more diffuse white spot on her head.
Chickie #7: Goldie. Our RIR. Another social girl, and very gentle.
And that's our flock! Thanks so much for your input.
The more I read on BYC, the more I see cases of pullets turning out to be cockerels, and even 'pure' breeds turning out to be barnyard mixes. I wouldn't be too upset if any of my babies aren't the breeds they were promised to be, but I will be disappointed if I end up with fewer than 6 pullets in our flock.
Here are our 7 babies: the picture on the left was taken on 6/8, at 2-3 days old. The picture(s) in the center/right were taken 6/24, at approximately 3 weeks of age. Opinions welcome on confirmation of breed and any clues as to sex. Feel free to also comment on how absolutely precious they are! I'm in love with my girlies already!
Chickie #1: Ada. A buff orpington who grew much faster than her BO sister. Her feathers are also slightly deeper buttery yellow than her sister's.
Chickie #2: Summer Wheatley. The second BO, who is the smallest of the group and oh-so-sweet.
Chickie #3: Daphne. An "ameraucana," but probably an EE, yes? She is by far the largest and very curious. She thinks she can fly out of the brooder if she just keeps at it. Silly girl.
Chickie #4: Bambi. Another "ameraucana," and my favorite. Am I allowed to have favorites? When I put my hand down into the pen, she immediately runs over and hops on. My social little sweetheart!
Chickie #5: Princess Leia. A barred rock, and the smaller of our two rocks. A little on the shy side. She has a smaller, more defined white spot on her head than her sister.
Chickie #6: Queen Amidala. The other barred rock, and larger than her sister. She has a much larger, more diffuse white spot on her head.
Chickie #7: Goldie. Our RIR. Another social girl, and very gentle.
And that's our flock! Thanks so much for your input.
