Boston? or around there?

[Buff Hooligans]

MiniDriver, welcome to the Boston-or-around-there thread of BYC!

Regarding cold-hardy breeds, we chose Buff Orpingtons for that reason. They are a "heavy" breed, as are Wyandottes, Brahmas (they have feathered feet), Australorps, and Jersey Giants.

Regarding predator proofing, we used hardware cloth to totally enclose our run, top and all. We also buried the wire 12" down into the sand to prevent digging creatures.

Again, welcome. This forum is great for knowledge, and it can be extremely entertaining too.

 

[MiniDriver]

Thanks Buff! I was thinking about the Rock breeds and Rhode Island Reds - what do you think?

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Mini, I just checked Henderson's breed chart to doublecheck the cold-hardiness of Plymouth Rocks and RR Reds, and they both have the little blue snowflake indicating hardiness. Also consider New Hampshire Reds.

One thing to note about Rhode Island Reds, my impression from this forum is that the roosters can be quite a handful. Maybe I've got it mixed up, but ask around about that before acquiring a rooster...

Here's the link to the Henderson's chart if you want more info:

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Have fun planning!

 

[SpottedCrow]

My Brahma Slifer had no trouble in the cold and snow. Her buddy Obelisk, a Leghorn, wasn't amused, but had no trouble in the rain.

Welcome to the insanity.

 

[kayri]

Hi All,
Hope you don't mind a Rhode Islander chiming in. Last spring we raised 12 chicks of different breeds. My daughter made sure she picked up and held each chick every day. We had agreed to give 6 to my brother- inlaw for his mini-farm. We kept the 6 "friendliest". The RIR's were quite agressive and unfriendly compared to the BO, Barred rock, australop, Black sex link and leghorn. Our barred rock (Patches) is undoubtly the nicest bird, followed by one of the BO- Amelia. This is my first winter with them, they all should be cold- hardy. Our coop is unheated, but somewhat insulated (1 inch thick wooden walls, then styrofoam board and tyvek on the outside (it will come down in the summer)). I hope they do allright this winter.

Kay

 

[Layin Eggs]

Acushnet here....hour south of boston

 

[DougD]

Central Massachusetts


Buff Hooligans stated:

Mini, I just checked Henderson's breed chart to doublecheck the cold-hardiness of Plymouth Rocks and RR Reds, and they both have the little blue snowflake indicating hardiness

Snowflake indicates good winter layers. However -
RIR's: robust, hardy in heat & cold, combs subject to frostbite. (There is a rose comb version however)

Good breeds for cold that are decent egg layers also;
Ameraucanas
Buckeyes
Chanteclers
Orloffs
Wyandottes

Hendersons has a great chart as Buff Hooligans stated.​

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Just to let you guys know, Mr. Chicken (the Wyandotte-ish rooster who lost his duck companion) has found a good and loving home with Mysterybirds and her ten pullets. We each drove a distance on Saturday and met in the middle to make the transfer.

It was a pleasure to meet another BYC-er, and know that the rooster is in good hands. It is a very wonderful thing!

Thank you, Mysterybirds!


Edited for typos

 

[Lilychick]

Oh, that's great news! So happy for everyone involved that he found a good home!

 

[lurky]

I hope i am so lucky @ re-homing my blue splash silkie roo's. I am almost 100% sure all 3 are boys

I wish i could keep them all......but i am sure my neighbors would kill me when they learn to crow. I am surprised they are not crowing yet at 4 1/2 months old