Brand New to raising chickens.......

[sacmonarchs62]

Good Afternoon, My name is Bernadette (Bernie) and I am a complete novice in keeping chickens. I have a good friend who has inspired me about giving it a try. At this point I have no chickens as I want the area completely ready and a nice coop in place. Although I am tempted to rush into it, I know I want everything ready and safe for the new additions to the family. Anyway I am reading and researching and all your advice will be greatly appreciated and humbly accepted. I live in Northern California about 45 mins north of Sacramento. Any suggestions from anyone about which breeds might be good to start with would be helpful. Anyway, thank you for the site it is fabulous and very very helpful for chicken raising virgins.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

For breed selection, IMO, no one knows you like you. Rather than go with someone else's recommendation, I recommend a couple charts that you can use to figure out what works best for your climate, personality, needs (eggs, meat), management (free range/confined) and wants (feather color/size).

http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf

http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I recommend reading through the Learning Center, there is tons of valuable information there! https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center also, to connect with locals come say hi at the Northern California thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/25/california-northern

 

[TwoCrows]

Hi there,

and welcome to BYC!

Looks like both Chicken Canoe and Liz has set you straight! Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!

 

[JDchicks]

Welcome!

Yes, http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html, is an awesome site. It was the one I used when I was looking to get started.

I applaud you on doing your research first. Recommendations will come once you know what it is you are looking for. A couple of questions get you started...

1. What are your plans for the chickens (showing, pets, food...)
2. How much room do you have for them (whether to get bantams or LF-large fowl)
3. What type of coop do you have (some chickens do not do well in foul weather and some are more hardy)
4. What type of area do you live in? (lots of neighbors or lots of acres)
5. How many eggs are you wanting per year (just a few to incubate or a bunch to sell to neighbors)

 

[Ivybirdy]

Welcome. I hope you have a good time raising chickens! They are lovely pets to have!

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[theoldchick]

Howdy! Pick what breed suits you best and watch out for chicken math.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - good luck in your selections.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!