Could I manage a flock?

[aart]

Thanks so much everyone for your helpful responses!!! It has really got me thinking that I can handle this. In response to WoodlandWoman's question, I live in SW Montana, so harsh winters are definitely something we deal with here, and they often last what seems like years haha... That is really good point that I had not really thought of yet. I haven't had my critters through a winter yet (aside from the dogs) and definitely think I should experience that before I commit to a flock. If I plan for next spring I will be able to do even more research and be totally prepared to have a happy and healthy flock. Does anyone have any pointers on what kind of breeds I DON'T want? I am looking for pretty, friendly, good egg layers, and cold hardy. There are SO many breeds, I have a good idea of what I DO want but is there any rookie mistakes I should avoid? I am thinking a mix of Brahma and Ameraucanas for their cold-hardy rose combs, temperament, and egg laying prowess. Any thoughts?? Thank You !!!

Agree 100%!

I think..... you have a lot of good sense.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Henderson's has a great breed chart you can check out. It lists the breeds and then lots of helpful information about them. The information about cold hardiness and temperament is very useful. It also has information on size, comb style and egg color. Under the name of the breed are links to other sites. The FS stands for Feathersite.com. It will take you to the breed page there, which will have lots of pictures.

I usually go for cold tolerant breeds that have smaller combs. There are many breeds where only the roosters have a comb large enough to have a problem, the hens are fine in winter. I get those for layers, too. I also like calmer breeds, in case weather keeps them indoors a little more.

In the winter, you'll need to heat the water to keep it unfrozen, unless you bring unfrozen water out to them a couple of times a day.

It can be good to have a solid roof on the run to keep out snow, so you don't have to shovel in the winter. The run needs to be strong enough not to buckle under the weight of the snow. The alternative is to have a coop big enough for them to stay in during the winter. I lock mine in before blizzards hit. You still need to do some shoveling after bad storms that blow snow into the run sideways.