I am getting chicks for our small backyard flock in the spring. We only want 4-5 hens as cherished pets and for fresh, healthier eggs.
There are so many breeds to choose from and although we really want friendly hens we don't want ones who go broody often. We live near Portland, OR so the weather is not too drastic--a few days near 100 in summer (not much humidity), a few below freezing each winter (last winter had a few more than usual--like 2 weeks in a row!) and lots of rain in the winter.
My original choices were Barred and/or Buff Rocks, Welsummer (Barnevelders have since been eliminated due to recent info gotten on this site
), Easter Egger, and possibly Australorp or Speckled Sussex! However, so many folks recommend Brahmas! Polish are also so cute! I want easy keepers and worry a bit about feathered feet and crests with mites and painful feet from feathers ingrowing or poking them. Our coop will have a 4x5 henhouse (2 1/2 feet above ground) and a 5x12 playground sand run. It will be fully covered and fenced with 1/2 hardware cloth. Our plans were created to make it sooo easy to keep clean so we'll not want to procrastinate and do it daily. They will get to range daily in good weather.
So--what do you think of these types of chickens?? Are they much more work?? Do they get broody all the time and then we'll get no eggs from them?
I'm just getting nervous trying to decide as we plan to keep them through old age. Its like adopting new family members!
My original choices were Barred and/or Buff Rocks, Welsummer (Barnevelders have since been eliminated due to recent info gotten on this site
So--what do you think of these types of chickens?? Are they much more work?? Do they get broody all the time and then we'll get no eggs from them?
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