Chicks vs Pullets for a Starter Flock??

[bigoakhunter]

I like the whole raising chicks thing, but it is work. I think they are friendlier when raised from chicks.

But from an economics standpoint, it is alot cheaper to get started/point of lay pullets. Once you add up the feed costs to raise them to 16-24 weeks of age so they are laying. (depends on breed) You also have more equipment, as need small waterer, small feeder, red lamp setup for brooder, etc. All of these cost some money.

 

[AZKat]

The economic side of it depends on how much POL pullets cost in your area. Around here, the going rate is $15-$20. It cost me $200 to raise 14 chicks to POL, I was then able to sell some of them and recoup part of my expenses. Even if I hadn't done that, it would have cost me the same amount of money to buy 10 POL pullets as it would have to raise 10 from day old chicks. Obviously, if I lived in an area where POL cost $5, the calculation would be different.

 

[jjparke]

Probably have a hard time finding chics local this time of year. I know our local hatchery quits first week of June. There are plenty of hatcheries that hatch all year though. You just have to mail order. Also chics will be the cheapest. The older they get the more expensive they will be. I think Murray sells 17 week old chics. I can't remember for sure though.

 

[hokankai]

Well, haha, I guess we are getting some chicks on Friday! I'm setting up a brooder, and found a local feed store getting a variety of breeds in. Now...for breed help. We are getting 8 chicks, and I want a variety of breeds, but what are good starter breeds? We want docile, friendly layers and have been looking at: Silver-Laced Wyandottes, Barred Rocks, Light Brahmas, Easter Eggers, Delaware, and Black Australorps. Any breed advice (even though I know temperaments vary from individual to individual) is GREATLY appreciated!

 

[gryeyes]

You just named a good portion of my varied flock.

The SLW and EEs will mature more slowly, so you'll wait a bit longer for their eggs. But the EE eggs are well worth it if they're blue or green! And the SLW are just so pretty to see, I told my Lacey I didn't care when she laid an egg. But when she DID, I congratulated her!

All those you mentioned are good layers. I like every one of them.

 

[Harrietsmum]

All of those breeds would be great to start with. My flock started as ten week olds, three week olds and 20 week olds. They are all friendly busy girls. They come running when I call and eat out of my hand.

 

[hokankai]

Hmmm it's such a hard decision! Well my mom wants some Easter Eggers, so I guess we'll get two of those, and then how about one of each of the other breeds?!

PS I am obsessed with black and white animals...so I'm pretty sure the SLW and the Barred Rocks are gonna be my babies

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I have all SLW and I just love them to pieces, they are SO friendly, never peck or scratch me and always following me around talking to me. I raised them since they were 1 week old.

 

[hokankai]

what about buff orpingtons? they will have those as well, and then i really could get one of each!

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

I started with 9 week old pullets. I got them from a breeder two hours away, picked them up myself, transported them in cardboard boxes, and kept them inside the coop for a week before letting them go out in the run. They are now 16 weeks old and come running when they see me. Giving them treats helped them get used to me. Some will jump in my lap and/or sit on my leg but none of them want to be picked up. My decision to get pullets instead of chicks was based on my work schedule/lack of time to properly care for chicks and not having a good place to keep them inside the house during early spring. I have Delaware, EEs, BAs, and BR.