Bay Area newbie needs advice on breeds

[tankgirl]

Hello everyone! I just signed up because (a) I've been lurking for a while, and (b) I'm in need of chicken advice.

I'm completely new to chickens. Although I grew up on my grandparents' farm, my grandmother had to slaughter and prep chickens for market every day when she was younger, so by the time the grandkids came along, she'd sworn them off forever!

I adopted two chicks that hatched in my daughter's classroom at the end of May, and both turned out to be roos. I know it's early to know for sure, but they're already fighting and have started developing combs/wattles; my chicken-maven friend who adopted the other two hatchlings from the same batch says hers don't have combs/wattles at all yet. (We think they're Australorps.) Unfortunately, I can't keep roos in town. I was able to rehome PomPom to my friend in the country, who promised not to eat him and who loaned me two females to keep FluffBucket company until I can find a home for him as well. Yes, she's awesome.

The thing is, in the six weeks I've had them, I've become completely smitten. So, now I need advice on what egg-laying breed to get to replace FluffBucket. I live in the (Far) SF East Bay, CA, and can keep six hens in town. They'll have the run of my backyard (1/4-ish acre). It doesn't freeze often, but it can get pretty hot (90s-100s) in the summer. A heritage breed would be neat, but without roos I couldn't do much to actually preserve an endangered breed.

Breed suggestions?

When I'm not fretting over my roos, I do scientific editing from home, which allows me to spend quality time with my ancient dog (16), two elderly cats (13-14), several tropical fish, and ... oh yeah ... two kids (7 and 9).

 

[brahmakid11]

 

[liz9910]

Hi,

also from California! A breed that I've had that is a good egg producer is the Rhode Island Red. Nice large brown eggs!

Elizabeth

 

[Kevin565]

 

[horsedirtocala]

Welcome! I'm a newbie, bought my pullets from Meyer Hatchery as they do not a 25 chick minimum. Plus I ordered pullets and recieved pullets! As I have gotten more fanatical about my chickens and quality, I kinda regret not finding a local breeder. Other side of the coin, years ago, I bought chickens locally, I got ripped off , taken advantage of and ended up with all roos.

 

[horsedirtocala]

Just be careful.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Hi there! You've come to the right place to find other chicken-smitten folks! It's quite an addiction. I'm also in the Bay Area (northern) and there are some great threads for our area. Lots of nice people with knowledge to share. Check out California - Northern which covers a huge area, but it's really active and overlaps some with Bay Area BYCers!. This also makes it easy to find breeders who have chickens for sale close to you. Come by and say hi!

As for breeds, so many to consider. I personally have large fowl (not bantams) that I raised from hatchery chicks purchased at my local feed store. All 9 are dual purpose birds (good for eggs and meat) but I only plan on eating the eggs.

My favorite for temperament is the Plymouth Barred Rock, who is toward the top of the pecking order, but is never unnecessarily mean and is also very friendly towards people. Buff Orpington and Blk Australorp also get high marks for temperament. My favorite for looks and uniqueness is my Easter Egger (Ameraucana cross) who has a fluffy face and will lay blue/green eggs.

So it really depends on what you like. Big or small sized birds and eggs? Fancy/ornamental breeds, dual purpose, colored egg layers, heritage? Look through the BREEDS section to see what catches your eye, and then see if it fits your needs and wants. Some birds are more heat tolerant, some are noisy, some flighty. No need to restrict yourself to one breed either! Look on the local threads too, lots of pictures posted, and ask any questions.

Have a great chicken adventure!

 

[greymane]