Austin Backyard Chickens

[amydsolberg]

Hi,

I'm in the process of convincing my husband that, in addition to backyard bees, we should keep backyard chickens. I'm interested in starting off very small, and would like a couple of fluffy, friendly egg-layers. I'm hoping to find lots of recommendations for breeds that do well in my area. Generally, I was thinking I'd like a heritage breed, but since I'm not going to be breeding them, that might be silly.

Any opinions about the following breeds I've initially thought might be good?

Buckeye
Brahma
Dominique
Leghorn - Non Industrial
Wyandotte
Plymouth Rock
Cochin

Thanks for any help!

Amy

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Happy you joined!

 

[write2caroline]

ooooh oooh Buff orps! They are so cuddly and snuggly.

Caroline

 

[amydsolberg]

Thanks! I'm really excited to get started with the girls.

A chicken-lady friend mentioned that, because chickens are very social, you shouldn't have fewer than three. Have you found this to be true? Or perhaps more the case for certain breeds?

 

[topdycke]

You might check out the Texas thread under social where am I where are you. Several people in your area to help you out

 

[drumstick diva]

chickens are flock animals and do much better with buddies than flying solo. Three to four is better than two . If you have two and one dies or has to be re-homed( ie because it turned into a rooster) then you are left with one lonely chicken. It can be hard to find one that will fit in with your present bird. If you start with 3-4 chickens- you would have a spare or 2 and not have to deal with integration issues.

 

[amydsolberg]

You might check out the Texas thread under social where am I where are you. Several people in your area to help you out

Thank you, topdycke. I'm on it.

chickens are flock animals and do much better with buddies than flying solo. Three to four is better than two . If you have two and one dies or has to be re-homed( ie because it turned into a rooster) then you are left with one lonely chicken. It can be hard to find one that will fit in with your present bird. If you start with 3-4 chickens- you would have a spare or 2 and not have to deal with integration issues.

Drumstick diva, this is really good to know. I'm in the very early stages and making sure my ordinances will really permit a happy flock.

 

[Teri Metcalf]

Greetings from College Station. You don't mention Easter Eggers on your list, but they are my favorites for smarts, disposition, and egg laying.

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC!