Arizona Chickens

[mom-to-5]

Thank you for all the replies and breed suggestions! I definitely have some more to research and think about. I found the Australorps and even found someone local who sells them. Has anyone bought from HatchBawks?
Although I have 5 kids, and they are excited to get chickens, I claim this idea...the chickens are all mine!! My husband thinks I've lost my mind, but that's ok, not that he's opposed to chickens but, we are buying a new house, nearly twice the size we currently have and a bigger lot and I'm most excited about the chickens we can get-not the big kitchen, extra bathrooms (so the kids aren't waiting in line anymore), etc - but chickens!!
Thank you all, i appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experiences.

 

[cbnovick]

Thank you for all the replies and breed suggestions! I definitely have some more to research and think about. I found the Australorps and even found someone local who sells them. Has anyone bought from HatchBawks?
Although I have 5 kids, and they are excited to get chickens, I claim this idea...the chickens are all mine!! My husband thinks I've lost my mind, but that's ok, not that he's opposed to chickens but, we are buying a new house, nearly twice the size we currently have and a bigger lot and I'm most excited about the chickens we can get-not the big kitchen, extra bathrooms (so the kids aren't waiting in line anymore), etc - but chickens!!
Thank you all, i appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experiences.

Hatchbawks is local...but hatchery type stock not breeding to the standard...but they should make good production type layers.

 

[cbnovick]

I know of a local breeder in Queen Creek that breeds to the standard. Very nice and trustworthy breeder. She has quality golden cuckoo marans (dark egg layers) and she has Ameraucanas (not hatchery Easter Eggers)...

If you (or any BYCer) are interested in getting her contact info. just private message me for it.

 

[BY Chicken Lady]

Hatchbawks is local...but hatchery type stock not breeding to the standard...but they should make good production type layers.

I got my chickens from HatchBawks and they are all healthy, socialized chicks. My one roo is already breeding with my laying hen. I could have returned him as she offered if they turned out to be any males, but I wanted a rooster anyway, and he is so sweet. I git a mix of twos if four breeds from her. Not show birds but will be fine layers, and are sweet pets.

 

[tsuninight]

My husband thinks I've lost my mind, but that's ok, not that he's opposed to chickens

My fiance's response was kind of similar lol. He just kind of looks at me smiles and nods. Though he actually likes the chickens more than he thought he would. He thought it would be easier to just have a bug man or spray for bugs ourselves. T hen we wouldn't have to clean up bird poo. Personally for me the backyard entertainment is totally worth it. I also like not having to go nuts thinking about what bugs may be wandering around in my back yard for the most part.

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

Quote:
I would also recommend the Black Australorp. They are great producers, heat tolerant and very friendly. I have one that goes broody occasionally, though. I have all hatchery chickens (Ideal) and they do just fine in the heat. I have BAs, RIRs, Ideal's 246 leghorn, and EEs at the present. The EEs difinitely pant the most, but everyone else has no problem handling the heat. I have grass in the yard and give them wading water and free-range. I did have a Light Brahma and she did fine in the heat, but she was definitely a large bird and didn't lay as frequently as the small leghorns so egg to feed ratio wasn't as good. My leghorns are very friendly and follow me everywhere but don't like to be picked up. The RIRs and sex-links have been great producers and friendly to us, but are the biggest problems when I want to integrate new chicks.
Also, I usually get my chicks in mid-September. It seems to be the perfect temperature outside when they are ready to go out.
Good luck, and keep us posted on you new chicken adventure!
Oh, did anyone warn you about chicken math?

 

[redrocketrooster]

OK. I need suggestions on a hairy situation. Ive had an AZ local buy chicks from me the past two times i've ordered from hatcheries. The first batch were brown layer pullets and this batch was 6 dUccle chicks. I threw in extra chicks this last time. Even though she only paid hatchery price for the chicks. She texted me four days ago saying they died two days after purchase. It's taken until an hr ago for her to finally call and tell me what happened. They all died after 36hrs of purchase with no symptoms of illness besides lethargic behavior. When I asked about the brooder temperature she confessed she had no idea they needed a lamp. Then went on to say she feels I am at fault for not telling her they needed a lamp. I did however explain the difference between bantam chicks, gave reference to BYC website and let her know she needed to keep them warm. I assumed she knew about chick care, she seemed to have little to not interest in talking.

I have no idea how her first batch of chicks made it, i assume since these are bantams and it's been raining out they chilled. Her prior batch was standard fowl and the weather was very hot during their first week. Now, she wants a full refund AND replacement chicks. I have neither for her until the end of my hatch. Frankly, I do not think I should offer her anymore chicks without proof of death and proof she has purchased a lamp. I want to wash my hands of the people who blame others for their lack of education. And I want to cry to think that 7 amazing little dUccle chicks could have been in my brooder, safe and happy.

 

[Twinklin]

OK. I need suggestions on a hairy situation. Ive had an AZ local buy chicks from me the past two times i've ordered from hatcheries. The first batch were brown layer pullets and this batch was 6 dUccle chicks. I threw in extra chicks this last time. Even though she only paid hatchery price for the chicks. She texted me four days ago saying they died two days after purchase. It's taken until an hr ago for her to finally call and tell me what happened. They all died after 36hrs of purchase with no symptoms of illness besides lethargic behavior. When I asked about the brooder temperature she confessed she had no idea they needed a lamp. Then went on to say she feels I am at fault for not telling her they needed a lamp. I did however explain the difference between bantam chicks, gave reference to BYC website and let her know she needed to keep them warm. I assumed she knew about chick care, she seemed to have little to not interest in talking.

I have no idea how her first batch of chicks made it, i assume since these are bantams and it's been raining out they chilled. Her prior batch was standard fowl and the weather was very hot during their first week. Now, she wants a full refund AND replacement chicks. I have neither for her until the end of my hatch. Frankly, I do not think I should offer her anymore chicks without proof of death and proof she has purchased a lamp. I want to wash my hands of the people who blame others for their lack of education. And I want to cry to think that 7 amazing little dUccle chicks could have been in my brooder, safe and happy.

When you buy an animal from a pet store or adopt one from a shelter they don't tell you that you need to feed it and give it water. They expect you know the basics if you're buying the animal. If she didn't know what she was doing she can't ask you to replace the chicks. I wouldn't give her any more. I personally would try to get out of refunding her the money as well since she admitted she didn't know she needed a lamp and it's her responsibility to know that. If she just said they died I would give her a refund but she already admitted to not caring for them properly.

 

[redrocketrooster]

When you buy an animal from a pet store or adopt one from a shelter they don't tell you that you need to feed it and give it water. They expect you know the basics if you're buying the animal. If she didn't know what she was doing she can't ask you to replace the chicks. I wouldn't give her any more. I personally would try to get out of refunding her the money as well since she admitted she didn't know she needed a lamp and it's her responsibility to know that. If she just said they died I would give her a refund but she already admitted to not caring for them properly.

I def agree. I feel like any chicks I give her will be in danger. I just feel bad her children had to see them dead. She said she's going to call me back...I don't know how to tell her I don't want to give her either. I know she's not going to let this down...

 

[flower]

redrocketrooster. I feel it is unfortunate that you are in the middle of that person's problem. But the problem is hers not yours. I would tell her that she needs to order from an on-line hatchery and to read the literature that some of the hatcheries supply. Tell her that you have gone out of business selling chicks (to her anyway)