First time raising chickens

[Steve J]

I've had pigeons, doves and other birds (as well lots of other pets) but I never had chickens before. My G/F kept on wanting chickens for the eggs. I said I'd rather get back into pigeons, but I caved in bought 5 chicks April 24th from the local farm supply. 1 Buff Orpington, two Barred Rocks and two supposedly Americaunas.. I wound up taking care of them 100% and they are all very tame. (three more than the rest, but none are afraid of me) I really like them and they are very interesting. Bought a coop off eBay and put it together, wound up having to do major waterproofing to it and I wound up bungee cording a heavy duty tarp over it, for extra protection, for it and the chicks. I also added a 26 foot X 35 foot run, clipped one wing on all but the Orpington, as she's too heavy to fly. (good thing I clipped them, the rest tried to fly up on the coop but failed) I used two sides of my 2 acre dog pen with chicken wire added to keep the dogs and chicks apart, as well as the chicks in. The dogs really bark a lot and accepted the chicks as mine really easily. They keep the raccoons and stray cats, minks, weasels away very well! I also shut the chicks in the wire coop at night to help keep them safe until daylight. Anyway I was wondering if these Americaunas are Easter Eggers? I've read most indeed are. No eggs yet but looking forward to it greatly.

 

[Steve J]

I'm also impressed at the way these chicks run under the coop, every time any bigger bird flies over. I will see them run into the coop and sure enough, look up and there goes a buzzard. They see it well before I do! They are very alert!

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Yes they are very alert animals indeed, and the make a special sound when they see birds fly over head ( or at least roosters make a special warning sound.
As far as breed, I have read that when in doubt, it is most likely Easter Egger because they are more common. They are awfully cute.

 

[Steve J]

The tamer Easter egger is a bit hawk like in looks, sitting on my hand. She looks like a wild bird to me, more than a domestic chicken!