Connecticut!

[Beth G.]

Quote:
Thank you, I would love to go to one but haven't seen any listed. So, if you think of it will you drop me a line if you hear about one

Thanks,
Beth

 

[Luke13:34]

Hello, CT folks.

I am in Derby (near Shelton). I am still in the researching phase.. no actual chickens yet. I still need to clear the area behind the garage and build a coop/run. The foremost reason for wanting to raise chickens is for my special needs daughter (soon to be 8). We think it would be good for her to have the responsibility, the interaction with other kids at 4-H, and the confidence building of exhibiting the hens.

I am considering the following breeds and would love to have your thoughts: Partridge Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, Wyandottes or Australorpes. I would like a bird that is gentle and not too noisy that will be hardy in New England and a moderate to good egg layer. Is it OK to have a mix of breeds in the coop or will certain breeds pick on the others? I'm assuming that keeping three or four standards (for eggs) and one bantam (for show) would not be a good idea??

We are planning to go to the 4-H fair in Durham on Friday night and will spend some time in the chicken barn. I hope to meet some of you there. I would love to have more info on the Chicken Chasers club.. where/when does it meet? what ages are the kids? how do we get involved?

Sorry for so many questions, but one more.... do you buy your chicks locally or do you have a hatchery that you can recommend when we are ready to buy?

Tina

 

[Beth G.]

Luke13:34 :

Hello, CT folks.

I am in Derby (near Shelton). I am still in the researching phase.. no actual chickens yet. I still need to clear the area behind the garage and build a coop/run. The foremost reason for wanting to raise chickens is for my special needs daughter (soon to be 8). We think it would be good for her to have the responsibility, the interaction with other kids at 4-H, and the confidence building of exhibiting the hens.

I am considering the following breeds and would love to have your thoughts: Partridge Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, Wyandottes or Australorpes. I would like a bird that is gentle and not too noisy that will be hardy in New England and a moderate to good egg layer. Is it OK to have a mix of breeds in the coop or will certain breeds pick on the others? I'm assuming that keeping three or four standards (for eggs) and one bantam (for show) would not be a good idea??

We are planning to go to the 4-H fair in Durham on Friday night and will spend some time in the chicken barn. I hope to meet some of you there. I would love to have more info on the Chicken Chasers club.. where/when does it meet? what ages are the kids? how do we get involved?

Sorry for so many questions, but one more.... do you buy your chicks locally or do you have a hatchery that you can recommend when we are ready to buy?Tina

Hey Tina,

Welcome!! Yeah definately go to the Durham 4-h show!! I will be there on Saturday afternoon for the cook out and to meet others. As for breeds those are all nice breeds but, maybe you could start off with some banties first. They tend to be smaller and sometimes friendlier. I recently have acquired Silkies. Look them up on the breed page. They are big balls of fluff and non agressive. They have alot of grooming to be done prior to showing and would be a good project 4-H type of bird. Try talking to Chicken Boy Sam, he is in the 4-h and would probably be of more help than I am. He's part of the chicken chasers of new haven county I believe.

GOod luck to you and your daughter!!!

Beth​

 

[chicken boy sam]

I'm here! Thanks Beth G. for PMing me! On Friday at 6:00 I'll be there showing my bantam buff cochin. I recommend this breed for your daughter because they aren't too small, very nice, non aggressive, and just an overall cute bird. I'd have all banties because they are the BEST! We are a club out of Guilford...are you in the Middlesex or New Haven County? We have some younger kids, but a lot of older kids, although there's a family that comes with there whole family including 4 year olds..... We order every year from Murray McMurray as a club, but that's only if we have enough people participating....

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
Hey Sam, See I knew you'd be more helpful than me!!! lol. Can't wait for the BBQ on saturday and to see your cochin!

 

[chicken boy sam]

Yea... my 2 polish chickens and my cochin are going....Iggy always does really well in shows... she has a huge crest, though.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/45995_uconn_chicken_show_005.jpg

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
Very Nice Fluff!!
My poor partridge silkie has no hair on his head! It's time to try the pepper trick I think.

 

[chicken boy sam]

Yep..... Cayenne pepper!

 

[Beth G.]

Quote:
I'm waiting till I know for a fact that it's not going to rain. I'm afraid if I sprinkle it ontop and it rains the pepp will go in his eyes and he will be

 

[Luke13:34]

Thank you for your replies and suggestions. I will look into the Bantam Cochins. They are cute!
If you hear some crazy lady running around the fair on Friday yelling "Chicken Boy Sam!!" over and over.. you'll know it's me!

Oh, to answer your question, Derby is in New Haven Cnty.