Flock choice? Advice for a newbie....

[Nostalchic]

As much as I have appreciated Davaroo's sage advice on many topics, I have to say that I love my flock of many colors. If you are focused on utilitarian values, production, scientific analysis of specific characteristics, etc, well, that is one important side of the issue, but the other is the aesthetics! Chickens are beautiful birds, and the variety of feather colors and configurations - to say nothing of personalites - is so entertaining and rewarding. I say, try a few of each of the ones that light your fire, and go on from there. One could go overboard, but the water's fantastic!

 

[Coppa]

Quote:
Gosh I wish I could have 20 silkies!!!!!

 

[Davis5454]

To give Davaroo his credit..... I bought 4 breeds because I didn't know which I would like best. The thought was to narrow it to one or two after they had taken on some size.

Now that they are up to size (8 months old), I had pretty much narrowed it to Orphingtons....but I now find myself waiting on a few things.

One - how will they compare to the Lorps over time for laying....(they already have them beat in personality)

So far, the Orphs were winning....but recently the Lorps pulled ahead. We're getting wayyy too many eggs right now and giving them to friends...but I want to see where this goes. We want to make sure we have good layers to keep food coming in.

Two - How big will my Jersey Giants get (and their eggs?).

If the giants don't continue to grow (which to date it looks like they have stopped at about the same size as the Lorps) they will be culled first. If they grow more and start laying larger eggs....I will reconsider.....but so far no sign of that happening. It's almost like I got extra Lorps.

 

[Renee]

I started with five: Silver Laced-Wyandottes, Columbian Wyandottes, Cream Brabanters, Speckled Sussex, and Silver Campines. I chose all of them for looks.

The least friendly were the Brabanters and Campines, although it depended upon the individual chicken. Both of these breeds were "talkative" (loud).

The Speckled Sussex did not have much personality, although they were nice enough chickens.

My Wyandottes are cuddlers. That's all I have now.

So I agree with Davis5454 that it's a good idea to start with many breeds and to narrow it down to the breed you like best, if you want to go with just one breed.

 

[eggsrcool]

Sussex! Friendly, calm, great egg layers, will hatch out her own chicks, dual purpose (eggs and meat). Lovely looking birds, what more do you want? And

 

[Chickenmaven]

Quote:
Gosh I wish I could have 20 silkies!!!!!

I wish I could have two Great Danes.

 

[Gonzo]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! I have 2 children, so we share the same concern. I have many different breeds of tame, gentle egg laying breeds. But by far, my favorite is my 3 Australorp girls! They are so sweet, and calm. They're still pullets, and lay 6 out of seven days! They'll aproach us, eat from our hands, and allow the children to hold them. They have awesome personalities also! They definatly put a smile on your face! I can't say enough good about the breed. If you get Australorps, you won't be dissapointed.