Breed question

[Iluveggers]

That seems to be the most responsible thing to do, start smaller. Right now I’ve ordered 2 of each of Speckled Sussex, Easter eggers, lavender orps and barnevelder. As a beginner in an urban area, which would you recommend I keep/cancel? Thank you so much for your advice. I want to do this properly.

Honestly it’s my opinion that you should go 8x4 and either get all 8 or cut down to one of each for a total of 4. Those are all generally docile breeds that I think would be great together. It is also easier to build w 8 ft boards than 6ft (less cutting). If you want all 8, I don’t think there is that much difference in getting 6 or 8, not harder at all. If you rather have a couple this year, and add a couple in a year or two, you could get 1 of each breed now (total of 4), and then in a year or two add 4 more to fit in your space for 8. That would give you a chance to see what breed(s) are your favorite and add more of them, or try another 4 breeds. Doing this would get you some new layers once your older ones start slowing down.

 

[Ridgerunner]

As a beginner in an urban area, which would you recommend I keep/cancel?

In my opinion based on my experience, breed is not at all important in your decision. Mix or match those chicks as you will. Considering flock harmony, it is much more important that they be raised together than any consideration of breed. Integration takes more room and has more dangers that raising them together.

 

[Bostongrl]

Honestly it’s my opinion that you should go 8x4 and either get all 8 or cut down to one of each for a total of 4. Those are all generally docile breeds that I think would be great together. It is also easier to build w 8 ft boards than 6ft (less cutting). If you want all 8, I don’t think there is that much difference in getting 6 or 8, not harder at all. If you rather have a couple this year, and add a couple in a year or two, you could get 1 of each breed now (total of 4), and then in a year or two add 4 more to fit in your space for 8. That would give you a chance to see what breed(s) are your favorite and add more of them, or try another 4 breeds. Doing this would get you some new layers once your older ones start slowing down.

I think that may be what I do. It makes a lot more sense. Especially since I’ve read that Orpingtons can go broody. I can get chicks and hopefully let Mama Orp do the work next spring(hopefully!!!). Build the bigger run in anticipation. Thank you!!

 

[Mrs. K]

t’s safer to start small and then add more chickens later if your setup is working and you think you can fit more without issues,

And what also bites people is that it is truly hard to imagine how big those little chicks are going to get. What is more than enough room for chicks, rapidly becomes not enough room around 5 months of age with very ugly behaviors.