Beginner help please

[3KillerBs]

I would recommend you go a bit bigger, to at least 4x8 or 6x6, because it is nice to have a little more room.

A sound recommendation.

These are my 3 cull cockerels in a 4x8 coop:

They are almost the size of an average, adult, dual-purpose hen and it doesn't look all that roomy in there.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I'm going to differ (somewhat) with some posters I respect greatly. If you want primarily "egg layers", and you have to have a confined run due to traffic conditions, I'm going to recommend against both Brahma and SLW/GLW. My flock is in my sig, I own both Brahma and SLW. GLW are substantially identical.

I recommend against Brahma because (and they are beautiful birds), they are slow to start laying, they don't lay frequently, and the eggs that they do may are medium to medium large. Eventually, they get quite big - so your feed investment, and your feed conversion rates, are quite high.

I recommend against Wyandotte for differing reason - they were actually bred (according to some, anyways) as an improvement on the Brahma. While they are smaller, and grow faster, they are still pretty late to lay, still only lay about 3 days in 5, and still produce mostly medium to md-lg eggs, often with a subtle pinkish cast under certain lighting. They are also very flighty. If your birds are going to be contained in a run 24/7, I doubt their flighty character will benefit you, or your birds. I love mine - but I free range.

While their combs are potential issues (good coop design will help to mitigate this), bith the Rhode Island Red and New Hamphire Reds are somewhat early layers of large eggs with good frequency, and as their names might suggest, they were bred for cool to cold environments with the potential of lots of ambient moisture. I have some mutts based, in part, on the NHR, and have been generally pleased with them.

I've not owned them myself, but you might also consider Orpingtons and Australorps, decent rate of lay, large to XL eggs, moderately early start of lay - and of course any variety of Rock. The Leghorn, in spite of its comb, is excellent choice as a layer.

As a further note, you should be aware that most of these birds (pretty much all but the Leghorns) *can* get quite big, for chickens. You would benefit by having more space in your run than the thumb rules if you choose these birds, though none are particularly flighty - it will help with potential behavior issues.

 

[Folly's place]

Australorps are a good choice, agree. And Plymouth Rocks, very nice, and come in several color varieties. I like the buffs myself, had some nice ones from MurrayMcMurray. Nobody is friendlier than Speckled Sussex, and you can't beat a few green eggs from the Easter Eggers. Our French Marans are super, although they don't produce a lot of eggs, but love the chocolate egg shells.
Mary
Mary

 

[Mrs. K]

I am most happy with a mixed flock. Try different chickens, some you will like better than others. Don't fret it, just get some!

If you are handy - make the coop so you can walk into it. It is MUCH better.

Do plan on chickens moving in and out of your flock - healthier in the long run.

Count the number of people in your house, and use that number plus 2 for chickens needed.

Give it a try - such a fun hobby.
Mrs K

 

[jonalisa]

I’m so sorry every one this is my first time posting to something like this we are looking for egg laying chickens

My Easter Eggers, Buckeye, Black Australorp, Orpingtons (Buff, Jubilee and Black Lavender) and Blue Copper Marans tick all the boxes for cold hardy, egg laying and friendly/ easy-going temperament.

 

[Iluveggers]

If you have children and want cold-hardy, good layers, & friendly/docile, I would check out Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Salmon Faverolles, Australorp, Olive Egger & Easter Egger. You’ll have 3 brown eggs, a cream egg, a green egg, and a blue egg.

I second the recommendation for Ideal or McMurray to order from! Please let us know what you decide on once your order!

 

[Folly's place]

Meyer hatchery is near Polk, Ohio, and could be within driving distance for you. Possibly a good idea this spring, given the problems going on with the USPS. It's also possible to buy chicks at local farm stores, although your choices will be fewer there. Also look up what chicks look like before assuming that they are labeled correctly at those farm stores.
Mary

 

[jonalisa]

My Easter Eggers, Buckeye, Black Australorp, Orpingtons (Buff, Jubilee and Black Lavender) and Blue Copper Marans tick all the boxes for cold hardy, egg laying and friendly/ easy-going temperament.

Oh, can't forget my beautiful Silver Gray Dorking... White eggs, stunning plumage, amazing and sweet personality. Endangered.

 

[Happy hen lover]

I second the mixed flock . Black Australorp ( great layers) , Orpingtons ( friendly) , Plymouth rocks ( good layers docile) and Rhode island reds ( harty and great layers). I live in a semi humid climate but it's windy here and have extremes in winter as well as summer. I have a mixed flock of heavy girls and I love it. Lots of fun.

 

[HappyClucker7]

I would recommend Australorps, Plymouth Rocks, Easter Eggers, and Orpingtons.