babies not on the morning truck:(

[Jekajo80]

You might as well get 25. If something were to happen to a few of them, you'd have the extras in their to keep the flock up. I've raised chicks for three years and my first year I regretted only getting 5 from the feed store--- We had a really hot day and I lost two due to heat stroke. I really regretted not getting some extras. Or maybe you could give the extras to your kids for 4-H or a fair project. Just a few extras for the kids to raise on their own? Trust me, they'd appreciate the experience of raising their own birds.


Did you ever think of trying White Rocks in case you didn't get the RIW's? I love my rocks, they are so sweet tempered (I can pick up my barred rock rooster and carry him around-he loves being spoiled) and they are great layers! Out of my 6 hens, 3 of which are over 2years old, I get 5-6 eggs a day! I can't wait for my babies to start laying as well. A few white or barred rock pullets would be great to have around, especially if you have kids.

 

[BeckyLa]

Just to clarify.....
Aran, by cull I don't mean killing them. As I mentioned earlier in the post, the idea is to pick the ones we want to keep and sell the rest until we get down to the number of birds we had in mind. That's all. Right now we have 29 birds in a coop built for 16. As they grow we will sell, or give away, the extra birds until we get back down to 16 in that house.

And what AF said about EE is right on. They are such sweet birds that lay beautiful blue or green or pink eggs.

 

[aran]

aaah sorry becky i thought you meant to kill the extras, for meat like some ppl who keep the chickens do. My mistake.

So guess what????? I managed to get another heap of work on my coop done today...i dont own a digital camera but i will try and get some pics with my wife's cell phone camera. Today I made 2 rows of 3 ( 14x14x15") nesting boxes today. The bottom one is 14 inches off the floor and the top row is at 28 inches off the floor. I have made both rows removable for cleaning. Now i really need to hire a jig saw to cut out the doors/windows/vents etc. This is actually really fun...im no carpenter but im quietly happy with how this is going.


aran

ps...i will prolly hear from ideal tomorrow about the shipping on next monday thing...i will really think about getting the full 25...it will likely mean i will be sleeping on the couch ( or in the coop with the chickens) though!

 

[BeckyLa]

Aran, when your chicks come, pick one up, lay it on it's back on your hand, and gently rub it's belly with a finger from your other hand. Usually, a chick will slowly put it's beak up, stretch out it's feet, and go to sleep. Once you've practiced this a few times, show your wife. I guarentee she will be won over....

 

[BirdBrain]

Aran,
Your wife must really be a good sport.

After all, she is reading these posts and you still have access to the computer and can still hold a hammer and work on your coop.

Your wife must really be catching the chicken fever as well if you have made it this far and aren't on the couch already.

Have fun!!
Bird

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Quote:
Just make the coop extra-nice, in case you have to move in!

Don't worry, I thought DH would kick me out to the coop, too, but I'm still sleeping in my bed, AND he's agreed to go pick up my 5 new birds (2 hours drive one way)...so, there's hope for our other halves that don't have quite the chicken addiction that we do.

 

[aran]

ok guys i have my final order...have had contact from Ideal this evening!!!!! how good is that for service?!?!?!

So I am getting:
-silver spangled roosterx1 and 4 pullets
-white cochin pulletsx4
-buff orp pullets x4
-salmon faverolle pullets x4 + 1xSF rooster

--> thats as many chickens as I could get away with! [ at least for now!]

Should be shipping out 29th or 30th of May.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

WooHoo! That is going to be one PRETTY flock! The SF roo is gonna be awesome! Yay, I'm so excited (again) for you!

 

[BirdBrain]

How very fun!! Keep us posted and let us know how they arrive.

 

[DesertDawg]

While I was reading all these pages I came across a site that helps you pick the best chickens for you considering how hardy you need for climate, how important egg laying is, what color eggs you want, ect. Does anyone know where I can find this site???

And aran, good luck on the next batch of chicks. And congrats on finishing your internship.