First Timer (: Super Uber excited with LOTS of questions in need of LOTS of advice

[UpstateNY845]

So I've grown up around farms and animals all my life, and I'm starting out my own hobby farm with wonderful chickens.

I'm a single mom with two boys so the country life is a no-brainer for me. I plan on ordering from a hatchery (efowl perhaps?) very interested in Buff Orps Barred Rocks RIR and Red Sex Links.. 23 hens and 2 roos.. I want dual purpose for eggs and meat (obviously). A man I've known my entire 20 years who's owned and operated a small farm of his own insists I wait 2 YEARS before slaughter? Seems lengthy to me... any questions, comments, advice gladly accepted!! (in the past I've "binged" all my answers and relied on these forums for advice - it's about time I made a profile )

 

[Kevin565]

. Efowl doesn't have the best reviews on here. Some have had great experiences while others seemed to have terrible ones. 2 years is a much longer wait than anyone in my area waits.

 

[thasista]

Hi from Kentucky!

I have ordered from McMurray and Ideal before and have had good luck. Good luck with your search!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, UpstateNY845, and

! Pleased you joined us! I agree with Kevin565 - efowl is kind of a poultry clearing house - they get their birds from hatcheries just like you would order from. I have also purchased from MucMurray with success. You can check out the Breeders & Hatcheries link below. Good luck to you!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16/chicken-breeders-hatcheries

 

[jeepguy982001]

by 2 yrs he probably means the hens since the laying will start slowing down. Anyways congrats and good luck.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[UpstateNY845]

Thanks so much! I can't wait to get started

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Layers of dual-purpose breeds lay well usually for 2-3 years, so maybe that was what he had in mind - any rooster kept that long is going to be good only for the stewpot, as they will be very tough. My dual-purpose cockerels were ready to process from 20-26 weeks of age, depending on the breed. Meat birds would be much sooner.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!