Dreams Have to Start Somewhere

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Michael OShay said:
Welcome to BYC, Joey. Glad you decided to join our flock. I'm glad things have taken sure a good turn in your life. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Do you have any breed preference for your chickens?
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We do not have any breed preferences at the moment. We are still researching, but also open to suggestions.
 
ParkerGirls said:
We do not have any breed preferences at the moment. We are still researching, but also open to suggestions.
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It depends on what you want in a chicken. If egg production is a priority and you don't mind hybrids, then I would suggest Black Sex Links (Black Stars). They are very hardy and friendly egg laying machines. I've raised them for years (along with dozens of breeds), and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 eggs per hen per year. If you prefer a standard breed (hybrids won't breed true, so would have to replenish your stock from a hatchery), I would suggest Black Australorps. They are extremely hardy, calm and gentle (my children, and now my granddaughter, made lap pets of ours), and the best layers of the standard, brown egg laying breeds. There are some excellent quick reference charts for comparing the different breeds at http://albc-usa.etapwss.com/images/uploads/docs/pickachicken.pdf, http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/breed-list.aspx, and http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html. Also, Murray McMurray has an excellent "chick selector" tool at https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chick_selector.html to help you determine the best breed for you. Just be sure and click on "show more characteristics." Whatever breeds you decide to get, good luck with your flock.
 
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Glad you joined us!

Feel free to ask lots of questions! We're all here to help.
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Welcome to BYC!
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We're glad to have you. X2 on Michael OShay.

The breed you get depends on personal preferences and needs. For extreme egg production, get a laying hybrid like the Red or Black Sex-Links, or White Leghrons. For meat birds, get Cornish X or Cornish, or try a dual-purpose breed. If you like unique things/animals, get crested breeds like Polish or Silkies, or feather footed breeds like Cochins. For hot climates, choose a breed with a large comb, such as many of the Mediteranean breeds (Leghorn, Minorca, Catalana, Ancona). If you are in a cold climate, choose breeds with small combs and large amounts of feathers. If eggs aren't a priority, try some of the bantam breeds. Before deciding on a breed or breeds, define their purpose and why you are getting them.

As a good dual-purpose breed for eggs, pets, and meat, I'd recommend the Wyandotte personally. Mine have been good layers and sweet, personable pets with a lot of personality. They come in many pretty colors and are cold hardy. Mine have done well in the heat as well and are still consistent layers at 3+ years old.
 
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Welcome to BYC!

You will find a lot of good information here. Keep on asking questions and you will get many good answers.

You may also want to read the FAQ below.

Here is wishing that your dreams become a pleasant reality!
 
Thank you so much for the suggestions! We will be sure to keep those thugs in mind while we search. =)
 

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