BR hens on Craigslist...is this a good deal?

[skya328]

2 year old BR hens, $8 each. I don't have any chickens yet and am looking for good layers. I don't know anything about the lifespan of chickens, how long they lay (assuming they're healthy and aren't coon food). Also, our coop/run is 4x8 and I'm not sure how many we can have in there. (pics on this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=104157&p=1) They are selling 5 hens.

Any help is appreciated!!!!

 

[BeckyLa]

Since you are looking for reliable layers, keep in mind that hens lay the best during their first laying year and decline in amount of eggs produced after that. I have some BR that are 2 1/2 years old and although they layed fine last winter, they are not producing now at all. They have already molted so I figure it's because of the shorter days. However, there are two pullets in the group that are around 6 months old that are still laying. I would never pay that amount for girls that old. If you want dependable layers, get girls that are pol (point of lay), in other words, just beginning to lay. Or wait till spring and go with chicks that will be laying by the end of summer. imho.

 

[BayCityBabe]

You could have two or three in your coop. I would hesitate to recommend getting hens from some "random" individual. Unless you're a poultry expert, they could sell you old, used birds.

 

[ChickaD]

One tricky thing about buying chickens from someone you don't know at all is you don't know the history and health of the birds. It can be a royal pain to get rid of something like lice or mites, for instance. Mites are the "gift that keeps on giving' since they tend to hide in the tiniest cracks of your coop. Of course, there are diseases to be concerned about, too.

 

[skya328]

Thank you! I would be so mad if I got chickens that didn't lay! I'm really excited about this new "adventure" and it would just you-know-what on my parade if I got some that weren't laying!

I know that they will still be fun to have and watch, but we're looking forward to eggs too!

 

[portlandpeeps]

I would recommend buying pullets or chicks from a reliable source in the spring to get the best layers. Although there's a risk of getting roos in the mix, it's still very rewarding to get 2 day olds and raise them yourself. They are so friendly when they're hand raised, I love the way they follow me around...they're so sweet!

 

[skya328]

I'll have to ask around and see if there's any in the area. BTW, how's the weather in Portland? I'll be up there on Saturday. (I grew up in Beaverton and had to re-locate to Texas 2 1/2 years ago.

) I can hardly wait!!

Thanks for the info.