baby chicks vs. pullets or hens?

[meagan]

I'm looking into starting my first backyard flock and am wondering what the benefits are of raising chicks vs. getting older pullets or hens... Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

Thanks!
Meagan

 

[jenni2142]

I vote chicks! I find it easier to bond with them and they are more easily contained, mine are inside

. There are of course all of the fun and silly chick firsts.

 

[meagan]

Thanks so much! I guess I'm just feeling a little impatient for the bug control and eggs! But perhaps raising the chicks would be more satisfying.

 

[sunnibunny99]

Ah, chicks are SO fun!

This?

Or This:

Lol

 

[rhodiegal]

I agree - go chicks. I have done both - we bought 1 year old hens the first time. It just seemed like the ones we raise from chicks live longer and are more friendly. Plus you have a better selection of breeds to choose from. This time we ordered a completely mixed flock from Ideal. I like Ideal because I do not have to order 25 chickens at a time - way to much for us. Just read up as much as you can and have a place ready for them (along with all of the supplies) a few days before they get there. They are really easy to raise and they will be laying quicker than you think.

The only pain to me about raising chicks is the pasty butt period - which lasts only about 3 days - and if you are planning on going out of town for vacation (have to have someone keep an eye on them - especially the first 3 weeks).

 

[vnploveschickens]

I would definately start with chicks. When we first started last Sept. we got some about 5-7 weeks old. In late January, we got 6 chicks that were 12 days old. They were so cute, and you could hold them in your hand. And the peeps just put smiles on your face! Its do much fun to watch them grow too.

But we don't seem to have the same type of bond with the older one as we do with the chicks.

Chicks are the way to go!