Chicken Little

[BuffOrps32]

Great Questions. Thank you, As I said I am a newbie. The ladies in my home go thru a dozen or so weekly. Therefore, probably 4 to 6. I want a hardy hen that is almost pet like to a fault. Large lot (acre plus) but cats, hawks, and other wild animals stop by so limited free ranging but will need to be protected. Friendly and not bullying. I live near the Pacific Ocean on the central coast of a foreign state called California. Climate is mild. A few days of 100 degree heat and a few days a year of 25 to 35 degree weather.

Buff Orpingtons are great birds, look into getting them.

 

[ronott1]

I live near the Pacific Ocean on the central coast of a foreign state called California. Climate is mild. A few days of 100 degree heat and a few days a year of 25 to 35 degree weather. So far, the Opingtons are at the top of my list because of their hardiness and mild nature. As a child, the chickens on our farm were not the friends I had hoped for. One Leghorn in particular was the substance of my nightmares. After a few encounters, I refused to go near her or the other chickens. I doubt I would be intimidated now because I have come up against real enemies and am still alive. But, nevertheless, mildness is the number one quality.

Orpingtons are a good choice!

 

[silverpeak]

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You will love the chickens!

I am sorry for your loss. It can be quite a shock to you when you lose a life partner.

Check out the articles in the learning center and ask questions on the forums

Thank you. We were together for 59 years. And God only made one of her! I am moving cautiously forward in my research as I want to avoid as many newbie mistakes as possible. Will start my coop soon. I live in an area with wild animals and hawks so free ranging is probably out of the works. I do have a very large yard and will probably fence in and cover a sizable area for the ladies. Rooster probably out of the question as a nearby neighbor is noise sensitive and would probably "crow" louder.

 

[BReeder!]

I live near the Pacific Ocean on the central coast of a foreign state called California. Climate is mild. A few days of 100 degree heat and a few days a year of 25 to 35 degree weather. So far, the Opingtons are at the top of my list because of their hardiness and mild nature. As a child, the chickens on our farm were not the friends I had hoped for. One Leghorn in particular was the substance of my nightmares. After a few encounters, I refused to go near her or the other chickens. I doubt I would be intimidated now because I have come up against real enemies and am still alive. But, nevertheless, mildness is the number one quality.

Orps are great. And there's many different color morphs if you want variety in the flock. I managed to find a Lavender Orp and Blue Silver Laced Orp through a local person who breeds as a hobby. They are BEAUTIFUL hens. The Buff Orps are very common, but you can find all different ones. If you are able to have a rooster, Orp roosters seem to be friendly giants from what I gather. I wish I could have a rooster... darn local ordinances!

 

[BlueBaby]

Thank you. We were together for 59 years. And God only made one of her! I am moving cautiously forward in my research as I want to avoid as many newbie mistakes as possible. Will start my coop soon. I live in an area with wild animals and hawks so free ranging is probably out of the works. I do have a very large yard and will probably fence in and cover a sizable area for the ladies. Rooster probably out of the question as a nearby neighbor is noise sensitive and would probably "crow" louder.

Hello, and welcome! If you get chick's, they usually come as un-sexed. Sometime's they say that the chicks are pullet's, but as they grow turn out to be boy's. If you want to avoid that trouble and make sure that you won't end up with any boy's, I would get them at point of lay. That way you will know that they are really ladies.

 

[N F C]

Good for you on undertaking this great hobby! Raising chickens is rewarding and interesting. Once you get things set up and your flock started, the daily maintenance is pretty easy.

My condolences on the loss of your wife. I hope getting into this new venture will bring you joy.

 

[Cynthia12]

Oh... Hugs... Sorry for your loss! I don't understand the loss..yet..of a spouse..but understand the statement made of your home being a care facility. My sweet husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia the first part of last year. ..we pretty much knew the year before, if not sooner. Had a pretty bad scare day before yesterday. But..having a good day today. I did let my chickens go this summer. My kids ask..why mom? I'm thinking I will have a couple of layers added back once it warms up. Yep.. WELCOME TO BYC!!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.
I am sorry for your loss.
I think you would love a few Australorps!
This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

BYC has an APP!

 

[Kris5902]

I can’t speak for Orpingtons, I’ve heard both they and Barnvelders are docile... my Barnies might be an exception. I currently have 7 of them 2 (maybe 3 ) are pullets and they are the second most challenging birds I have to handle after my Black Copper Maran cockerel.

I asked about this behavior issue in another post and it was suggested that the specific Line I have could just be a little more wild. Also mentioned was that sometimes they will suddenly calm down when they are older and accept handling. One younger pullet is taming down fairly nicely, so there may be some hope for mine yet!

She just started being friendly a few days ago! My Maran ladies are fairly friendly, as are my Isbars (they are a bit smaller as well). I suppose a lot has to do with the line (breeding) and also how they are handled... hard when from 1 week old my Barnvelders developed a good flight response and would alarm and flee at the sight of the giant 2 legged food bringer (me), even when it was carrying their breakfast.

Look forward to seeing what you decide on! So many nice feathered girls out there looking for a good home.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck in establishing your flock. Sincere condolences on your loss. I have been married for nearly 55 years and can not comprehend life without my wife/partner/friend.