California - Northern

[zooweemama]

Cheryl's are gorgeous and soooooo soft! Her Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks are like silk too.

I don't know what it is about the white birds with a touch of pattern around their neck (Delawares have them and so do the Coronation Sussex) but I really like them. I also like the bigger birds. I feel like they are safer from hawks? Which I am most worried about during the day when they will be free ranging. If this year goes well- I actually might want to have 2 coops (shh don't tell hubby). I don't want a ton of breeds but I would like 1 big coop, a grow out coop (for the extra cockerels) and a breeding pen. I still never want to have a lot of breeds though. I don't know if she will have them next year though. That breed isn't an easy to locate breed- not good stock like that. Cheryl said they are also really sweet tempered. I am sucker for a big sweet chicken. LOL

 

[zooweemama]

hooray, i am planning to pick up two silver penciled rocks next week (just couldn't resist their amazing feathers, especially since my house is named the Silver House)

laura

Those are seriously gorgeous birds! Can't wait to see pics!

 

[Papa Brooder]

Got my first egg today from chickens that I incubated. Since there are 21 in that pen right now, I suspect the eggs will start flowing. now I have to get them separated into their breeding pens. gonna be a busy week but exciting!!!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Anyone here have Delawares? Curious how they tolerate the heat.

I was reading in my book- that old time utility breeds were Delaware, New Hampshire, Plymouth Rock and Wyandotte. Of those...do you have any personal experience? How are they as egg layers? Meat birds? Temperament?

Not sure after this year if I want to perpetuate my Marans or not- or we want to go try another breed to replace it...I think I would like to have a 2 utility breeds and 1 egg laying breed next year.

I have hatchery birds of these types. (Well, the "Delaware" is actually a changeling Leghorn.) None of the other 3 seemed particularly bothered by the heat (very high 90s). The SLWyandotte started laying first (17+ weeks). Still waiting on the rest. The BR has the best temperament by far (dominant, but never mean). My sample size is tiny

, but you can add it to the collective info.

If you can find good heritage strains, they will probably look and perform differently than mine. Of course the hatchery types are easier to replace every couple of years.

Edited to add: Just saw your later post. Love the white columbian look also. Keep in mind though, that white birds are easier targets for predators.

 

[ronott1]

Got my first egg today from chickens that I incubated. Since there are 21 in that pen right now, I suspect the eggs will start flowing. now I have to get them separated into their breeding pens. gonna be a busy week but exciting!!!

I was very excited when the first one I hatched started laying.

Ron

 

[zooweemama]

I have hatchery birds of these types. (Well, the "Delaware" is actually a changeling Leghorn.) None of the other 3 seemed particularly bothered by the heat (very high 90s). The SLWyandotte started laying first (17+ weeks). Still waiting on the rest. The BR has the best temperament by far (dominant, but never mean). My sample size is tiny

, but you can add it to the collective info.

If you can find good heritage strains, they will probably look and perform differently than mine. Of course the hatchery types are easier to replace every couple of years.

I do prefer heritage strains for the bulk of my flock. I know they are not as heavy layers though. I do think I want a couple EE or other good egg layer nestled in my flock- just a few every couple years. I am happy to buy those from TS or from members here selling their extras. I think it's fun to have just a few fun little egg layers in the bunch.

 

[zooweemama]

Got my first egg today from chickens that I incubated. Since there are 21 in that pen right now, I suspect the eggs will start flowing. now I have to get them separated into their breeding pens. gonna be a busy week but exciting!!!

That is so stinking exciting! ahhhh! Congrats! I will be so stoked to get my first egg but to get an egg from a chicken you hatched?????? Extra awesome!

 

[ronott1]

Quote: Do not wait! Make the Angel Food Cake!

This is one thing that is worlds better made with real egg whites!

Ok, one of many things but if you have never had a real Angel Food cake you will be in for a real treat.

Ron

 

[zooweemama]

I have hatchery birds of these types. (Well, the "Delaware" is actually a changeling Leghorn.) None of the other 3 seemed particularly bothered by the heat (very high 90s). The SLWyandotte started laying first (17+ weeks). Still waiting on the rest. The BR has the best temperament by far (dominant, but never mean). My sample size is tiny

, but you can add it to the collective info.

If you can find good heritage strains, they will probably look and perform differently than mine. Of course the hatchery types are easier to replace every couple of years.

Edited to add: Just saw your later post. Love the white columbian look also. Keep in mind though, that white birds are easier targets for predators.

And yes this info totally does help since I do want a few hatchery birds in my flock periodically. I like how early the Wyandotte started laying! I think I have to wait 20-24 weeks for my breeds.

Yes sadly I know about the white. It's like a catch 22. I like white feathers, they are so pretty and yet it screams look at me look at me! I am glad I am not totally settled yet. So many breeds to choose from. I think thats why I eat up all the info and pics you all share.

 

[zooweemama]

Do not wait! Make the Angel Food Cake!

This is one thing that is worlds better made with real egg whites!

Ok, one of many things but if you have never had a real Angel Food cake you will be in for a real treat.

Ron

I got my fresh eggs yesterday so I am making this for dessert this weekend. We are having roasted turkey- so this will be AWEsome!