decisions (where should I be going)

[Saerasx]

I have two options for where I can get my chicks. One offers organically raised chicks but 85% sexing and the other gets their chicks from mcmurray and Ideal with a 90% guarantee...I'm going for only awesome egg laying ladies and will be feeding Scratch and Pecks no soy no corn food anyways...

 

[3riverschick]

I have two options for where I can get my chicks. One offers organically raised chicks but 85% sexing and the other gets their chicks from mcmurray and Ideal with a 90% guarantee...I'm going for only awesome egg laying ladies and will be feeding Scratch and Pecks no soy no corn food anyways...

Buy the very best you can to start. Go with the organic if that is important to you. The amount you initially spend on your foundation birds is the very least you will spend in this hobby. If you want the best, then buy the best. Starting out in poultry by trying to upgrade stock is so disheartening. Poultry can be complicated to breed. Choose a solid color (or one based on the eWh locus so you don't have to balance the underfluff to get correct color in the top feathering. ). If you want your bird to have "wow factor" , choose a breed with simple coloring, as stated, and let the bird's silhouette be the wow factor. if you want to have Heritage Large Fowl come on over and jump right in to the BYC thread: Heritage Large Fowl Thread Phase II .
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/849075/heritage-large-fowl-phase-ii/4890#post_13032539
One of the big purposes of this thread is for experienced poultry folk help you find superior birds of your chosen breed of Heritage Large Fowl. They will also help you with advice to get you started.
Looking forward to seeing you there,
Karen and the Light Sussex
in western PA, USA
And don't worry if you get extra roosters. They are easy to give away on craigslist.

 

[LilyLeghorn]

I would go with the organically raised chicks 85% and 90% isn't too big of a difference; also, there's never any guarantee when it comes to sexing chicks- you most likely will end up with 100% beautiful hens, but you could also end up with 100% roosters (though this is very, very rare) no matter where you buy them from.

I'd say buy from the place you trust more. Since you plan to feed them all naturally/organically anyways, it shouldn't make too big of a difference. Either way, you'll end up with fresh eggs

Good luck!

 

[gander007]

I will tell you after more then 50 years of raising chicks this
I found to be true, get the best you can for your starter flock
and in the long run you will save money time and grief ......

Go with the organically grown chickens

 

[Saerasx]

Thanks guys! I'm really wanting to get some Australorps and possibly some rarer breeds. The organically raised part is huge for me The chicks are also driven in from a farm so no flying involved. I'm hoping that means less stress on the little ones

 

[Saerasx]

I also wanted to ask opinions. I've done a lot of research but I'd like to ask people with experience. I'm thinking australorps for being solid layers and friendly. I'm looking for a solid layer that is also gentle. I have a 13 month old daughter. I know the orphingtons have been known to go broody but is it that bad? Also are Marans bad? I've read sex links are good but also dual purpose? Anyway this is my choice list for the same date.

Easter Eggers
Cuckoo Marans
Red Sex-Links
Salmon Faverolles
Buff Orpingtons
Black Australorps