California - Northern

[ChicknLittleLexi]

Quote:
Cheryl - that IS much better news than the first time around! I hate nosy neighbors, aren't they irritating? On the flip side if you knew you had too many...

but that darned chicken math gets in the way, doesn't it? Keep us posted, I want to know how this works out!

 

[torrelee]

Hello everyone,
I am new to the forum and located in Eureka, (it looks like it was decided early in the thread that that was northern) california. I am the proud mommy of 5 australorp hens that I have had since January. I also have a chihuahua, a golden retriever, and a hairy man beast who live with me. I am pretty new to chickens, though my mom has a flock up in washington so I knew that I wanted my own. Chickens seem like the logical next step for any back yard gardener! Hoping to add a couple new girls this summer, something that isnt black. Any recommendations on breeds that work well in our chilly rainy weather?
Torre

 

[classicsredone]

Most chickens should be fine in Eureka, but some breeds are less tolerant. (Seramas, frizzled varieties, etc.) Are you looking for meat? Eggs? Both?

 

[kfchickenlady]

Quote:
Ha ha! I love the australorps, theyve always been some of my best and most consistent layers! Maybe you would like Buff Orpingtons, the color even on hatchery birds are amazing in a flock, or maybe a Barred Rock? Both are easy to get, maybe look in a chicken catalog, (mcmurrays has a good online one) to get pics. And I would think any normal feathered, backyard layer should be fine for you. Good luck and

 

[cherylcohen]

update !!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=292725&p=344

 

[jeremy]

Quote:
My English Orpingtons handled this winter well and it was rainy and terribly wet here in the Bay Area almost the entire season!

 

[SunnyDawn]

I agree with classicsredone, most any bird will do well in Eureka. Just give them an area where they can get out of the rain when it gets bad.

 

[classicsredone]

Btw, you might want to check your local feed store. They'll stock breeds that are fine for your area, and most are pretty knowledgeable. (At least in my experience)

I'd recommend a dual-purpose bird. I don't really favor the Frankenstein meat birds, and having the option of both appeals to me. I picked Hamburgs for the looks and little white eggs, and Barred Rocks for the larger eggs and size.

 

[clio]

Quote:
My English Orpingtons handled this winter well and it was rainy and terribly wet here in the Bay Area almost the entire season!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/jeremyjeremy07/IMG_4316.jpg

Jeremy,

Loved that photo

I'm going to Cheryl's tomorrow to adopt her two 50% English Orpingtons and to help Dawn pick up her mini-flock

So glad that Cheryl is able to keep her girls

 

[cherylcohen]

I'm so excited for you to have your namesakes, they sure do waddle when they walk. I'm embarrased to say though they have poopy butt, too much rain and feathers! If I had more time to be with them I'd clean them up...but I know you will be such a good new mama, that you'll make them prim & proper!