Enablers.....I'll get you my pretties!

[azchickadee]

Sooooo, when I got my 9 little chickies 3 months ago, people thought I was insane. I would get incredulous looks with big saucer eyeballs, "Nine chickens? Wow! What are you going to do with nine chickens?" My DH was really annoyed because he thought 5-6 would be the perfect size flock. So I thought I was waaaay overboard.

Then I joined the BYC.

Now I feel underdressed with only 9 chickens. So what do I do? I went to the feed store and ordered 3 buff orpington pullets. If it weren't for the BYC I never would've fallen in love with this breed. Every time I see anyone's avatar with a BO my heart skips a beat! I guess I'm a BO groupie if you will. I especially adore Buff Hooligan's hooligans.

So, a big thank you to all you enablers out there!

I'll post pics of my new babies when they get here in about 2 1/2 weeks. I can't wait!!

 

[silkhope]

Now I feel underdressed with only 9 chickens

LOL!

Just give it a little more time!!! The enablers are pretty fierce around here.

I've gone from 5 to 20+ in 6 months time... Congrats on the new babies too!​

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Hey AZchickadee, I'm just the victim of an enabler myself. I fell in love with Hencam.com's Buff Orp and that's why I got 'em. I know you'll love them. Especially when they get older, they get very FLUFFY. I just love their bloomers. (And thanks for the compliment - it brightened my gray day!)

 

[Buster]

ok- i'll bite and I'm not trying to be offensive. What is it you guys like so much about BO's. I am in no way being critical, I'm just curious. Maybe I'll try them, but I need convincing.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Awwww, poor Jared's brain is frozen by the Idaho cold. Time to get her to Hawaii!

Actually Jareds, I have often wished I had more variety in my tiny flock, well, ANY variety would be nice. I like the look of EE's and Delawares, and Golden Campines and etc, etc. But I was afraid if I mixed BO's in with other breeds, they'd get picked on by more aggressive breeds. So I went with them only, because I liked them the best.

As it is, I have become content with enjoying their fluffiness, pretty glowing look in the sunshine, and overall cuteness. And the fact that they all get along incredibly well. No rivalry or picking on.

 

[azchickadee]

What is it you guys like so much about BO's.

Fluffy chicken butts.

I know, I'm weird. I once saw a pic of nothing but 5 fluffy BO butts in the air and I lost my mind. (I think it was your page Buff, but I don't see the pic now. If it was you, please, pretty please bring that pic back!)

But seriously, their bright sunny color always catches my eye. My DD is determined to make everyone a lap chicken around here, so with their gentle disposition they should be perfect.​

 

[Buster]

Quote:
It might well be frozen. I'm getting tired of feeding cows in 2 feet of blowing and drifting snow.

If I got BO chickens, would they mix well w/ my existing flock? I'm ordering a whole list of chicks in the spring to see which I like best (just one each- don't want to overdo it). Are you ready for it? Here goes:
Barnevelder, Maran, Welsummer, Australorp, Barred Rock, Leghorn, Partridge Wyandotte, and Ameraucana (3 of those- my son LOVES the green eggs!).
How would a BO fare mixed in w/ these plus my existing birds?

 

[jeaucamom]

Wow, now I have a new name for what I am..... Victim!! That's what is going on around here victimization!!! I was only allowed to get three to start... snuck in 3 more. Brought several more home along the way.... you know.... just for good measure...... So we are up to 11. Have 16 eggs in the bator, 30 more on the way for this hatch and 2 more full hatches back to back... that of course will mean a second bator.. You don't want there to be too big an age difference!! Oh wait, I need a third one for hatching!! And then there are the 30 chicks we are ordering as soon as the feed store will start ordering in a few weeks.

I am spending almost half of my ridiculously huge tax return on new coops and eggs and chickens. How sick is that?????? And now I can sleep easier at night cuz apparently it is all your fault.... You big meanies....

I would never do this on my own... NEVER...

But I can quit any time I want to.

 

[azchickadee]

It's madness!!! At least we aren't in denial.

Isn't that a big river somewhere????

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Jareds, I have no experience with introducing new chickens to existing flocks. But I read that since BO's are on the passive side in any group situation, they tend to be the target of more aggressive individuals.

I hope someone else with more experience will comment, but my guess is either raise the BO's with other breeds from day one, or mix older BO's with young ones of the other breeds.

The other breeds you're considering all have good repuations for many reasons.

Now get out there and shovel that snow, feed those cows, and book those airline tickets to Maui. (It's thunderstorming with lightning here right now. Hope my computer doesn't fry.)