Flock replacement- what are your thoughts

[max13077]

I actually keep them just kind of as pets. The fact they give eggs is just a bonus.

 

[cmom]

In my opinion it's whatever you want.
Here is a great reference book, Gail Damerow's 'Storey's Guide to Chickens' is an excellent guide, as well as this web site. This site is an excellent source of information.

Also here are some of my favorite sites and good info.
Henderson's Chicken Breed Chart
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html
http://www.mypetchicken.com/aboutChickens.aspx

 

[tdgill]

yeah, pets here too.

who has the oldest chicken?

 

[Davaroo]

Stick to only a few compatible breeds. Management becomes easier and the results more predictable.

 

[NEK38583]

Not sure if someone said this or not. Put try www.petchicken.com it has a section where you can asnswer question and they tell what breeds are best for you. I hope that helps.

 

[joshplus10]

Quote:
I've noticed that ,too! Birds of feather...

Strange isn't it?

As a newcomer (ignorance can be bliss), I couldn't decide, so I ordered a surprise assortment. I got Dominiques, Delawares, cochins of several colors, a gold laced wyandotte, and some I haven't been able to identify. Salmon Favoroles? They have 5 toes?

It's been great fun for over 4 months, but I sure would like some eggs...

 

[thedeacon]

I also wanted to know more about each breed. I just ordered from McMurry 6 females, all different breeds and 15 males, all different breeds> I will keep 1 or 2 roos and freeze the rest. The 6 should add much color to my yard and I will find out if they are better layers or continue with the RIR & BO I now have

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
I've noticed that ,too! Birds of feather...

Strange isn't it?

Not at all. There are reasons why such sayings become part of the vernacular.

Flocks which resemble living "yard confetti" are fun to the right sort of person, I suppose. And the birds readily accept one another, given time. But birds seem to do better with similar flock mates, and it has always been a recommendation on the serious farmstead to keep only one or two well bred flocks.

This is why I usually recommend just a few breeds, well managed and selected. It's not my concept, but one proven over centuries. It takes advantage of THEIR nature, not ours, and makes our jobs easier.

 

[max13077]

Well, I've been going over it and this is a running list of what I think I'm going to get. I chose them for temperament and cold heartiness. Let me know what you think.

3 Speckled Sussex Hens(looked cool)

4 Dark Brahma Hens(my dearly departed fluffy was the gentlest hen I ever had

)

1 Dark Brahma Rooster(That's a big, imposing looking chicken!)

3 Salmon Faverolles Hens(look neat)

1 Salmon Faverolles Roster(gotta see them in real life)

2 Partridge Cochin Hens

3 New Hampshire Red Hens(hoping they'll be nice)

2 Buff Cochin Hens

2 Black Australorp Hens(thanks Will)

2 Delaware Hens(thought they were beautiful)

3 Silver Gray Dorking Hens(just like the look)

 

[Wifezilla]

Wow...looks like a great assortment.

who has the oldest chicken?

One of my customers told me she has a chicken that is 13 years old. The darn thing still laid 2 eggs last summer! LOL​