Beginner Breed?

[team_realtree]

What is a good breed for a beginner to start out with?

 

[ChickenWisperer]

A calm, friendly bird that doesnt require anything special. And a breed that isnt known to be aggressive.

Langshans
Faverolles
Sussex
Orpington
Australorp


These are just some breeds that I have owned, and I know about. There are many others, i just dont have time to name them all

Also, to make sure your birds have great temperment first, you should buy from a reputable breeder.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Get a breed that you like both the personality and the appearance. It takes just as much effort to care for a bird that you don't really enjoy as one that makes your heart sing. If there is extra effort needed for that breed, you will enjoy that effort because you enjoy the breed.

 

[steve2495]

i started out with bantam cochins and they r rly easy and sweet. i would reccomend bantams especially cochins they take confinement well and dont eat too much

 

[team_realtree]

sorry to steer this thread a bit but im extremely new to this. Do i NEED an incubator to hatch eggs? I always thought the hens would just sit on them? Thanks!

 

[ChickenWisperer]

Quote:
No. In fact, a hen is better than an incubator. You dont have to spend the time incubating and she raises the chicks for you.

However if you hand raise chicks, they make better pets.


Also, the hen has to be broody to set on eggs.

 

[team_realtree]

definition of "broody" please my understanding is that broody is the heated box you put the chicks in once removed from an incubator

 

[team_realtree]

never mind i figured out what "broody" meant. At what age are your chicks ready to be let out in a newly built coop without any hens or roosters?

 

[TexasVet]

Quote:
No, that's a brooder. A hen goes broody when she wants to hatch some eggs.

I can tell from your questions that you don't know much about chickens. Do yourself a favor and buy "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" (http://astore.amazon.com/countchick-20) before you get some. It's only about $12, will answer questions you don't even know you have, and will save you more than that in lost chickens and heartache.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com, www.PivotalForce.com

 

[team_realtree]

I feel I have a decent grasp on the subject and my partner who will be helping me with the flock has a few years of experience. Just trying to sharpen up on some terms and basic practices.