Breed Recommendations for a newbie

[KatD]

Buff O's are broody from what I understand. You should consider your climate in selecting a breed so that you get one suited to your area.

 

[KatD]

Buff O's are broody from what I understand. You should consider your climate in selecting a breed so that you get one suited to your area.

 

[jotee]

Interesting, my Buffs have not been broody at all, but my Black Australorps are very broody. You just never know!

 

[travis5292]

I have had 3 batches of chickens, and I must say, for laying purposes, and non broodiness, go with either the Red Sexlink, or Black Sexlink. They will lay almost every day. My lone red sexlink began laying August 18th, and has not missed a day yet.
My black sexlink is the friendliest chicken I've ever owned. She has skipped a couple days of laying, but that's typical with all new layers.
Since you're wanting just 2-3 hens, you must choose a breed that does not go broody.

 

[KLC0623]

I am also new to chickens, I got 6 day old chicks from my pet chicken on June 24th. I ordered a couple extra because I expected a couple to do during transport or chick hood to chicken hood, but they've all survived. I got two australorps (Miss Pepperpot, Donna)2 Easter eggers (Ally, Martha), 1 buff Orpington (Rose), and 1 barred Plymouth Rock (Amy). I raised them from one day old, and they are tolerant of humans. Amy, my barred Plymouth Rock, is the most friendly of the group, she likes being held and pet and hugged. All of them are sweet, but I reccomend barred Plymouth rocks. I have a question thiugh, when would be a good time to switch them over to layers food? They should be laying in October/November. I can't wait!!!!

 

[djmax]

If you're using the medicated starter food and just a few weeks away from them laying I'd change to layer food now so your eggs won't have the medicated food traces. Donna ( oh good chicken name too! )

 

[travis5292]

Switch food at about 16 weeks, or you can do it when you get your first egg. I finish out the last bag of starter around the 16 week mark, and switch. It's an approximate time. It will not hurt them if it's a little before, or a little after. Just make sure you finish the last bag. Feed is expensive!!!

 

[KLC0623]

Thank you!

 

[jsmith2952]

I have a two year old who runs around everywhere with my red sex links. I also have a big herding dog who often becomes a roosting post for the hens. Red sex links are supposed to be laid back, friendly, and fun. They are real personalities AND are great layers!! Highly recommend!

 

[susanp970]

I ended up with a Sussex rooster, that was mistaken for a pullet . He is so sweet with me and the girls and of course being beautiful is a plus.