For Starters

[BigRooNTN]

As always, I was on BYC reading and researching and re-reading all of the post put on here. I opened the Breeds tab and read all about the chickens that I wanted to start with. The "For Starters" tab caught my attention and so I marked all the breeds I wanted. I want opinions (good Or bad) about my choices. I picked the Brahma and the Cochin just for having "eye"candy in my run

. The others are Delaware, New Hampshire, Orpington, and Wyandotte. The Silver Laced is my favorite for that breed and love the Buff for the Orpington, White for the Delaware and the standard color for the NH.

I want all hens so that I will have good egg production. Did I pick good "Starters?" and should I start with chicks or pullets?

Thanks

Big Roo

 

[fiveladybugs]

I just added Delawares and Silver Laced Wyandottes to my flock. Can't wait to see how they do. My dad has always been a fan of the New Hampshires.

I would say it depends on how soon you want eggs. I started with chicks, because they were easy to get from a hatchery.

 

[BigRooNTN]

Call me impatient but I cant wait to raise them from chicks. I am afraid of doing something wrong. Thinking about 4-5 week old pullets.

Thanks.

 

[fiveladybugs]

Call me impatient but I cant wait to raise them from chicks. I am afraid of doing something wrong. Thinking about 4-5 week old pullets.

Thanks.

I know how you feel. I have two Anconas & a Light Brown Leghorn that I got as chicks. It feels like I've had them forever, but really they're only three months old. I'm not-so-patiently waiting for the first time they lay

 

[chickencoop789]

Those are pretty good starters. I would raise them from chicks just because they are so cute when they are little!

But I totally understand why you might want to get pullets.

 

[BigRooNTN]

I am like you that they are "cute" as chicks. I would believe that there would be more of a bond to them as chicks instead of getting older ones. Love all the wisdom.

. I am also starting to work on plans for a coop and run. Got an old shed that I think will make a great one.

Getting bed time. I will check back tomorrow for more post.

 

[yo burrill]

If you want them to be tame and friendly I suggest getting chicks no more than a week old. You need to handle them daily if you want them to enjoy your company. Cochins are about the friendliest birds you can find.

 

[RonC]

I agree that the chicks would be easier to tame than the pullets. The pullets would shorten the wait for eggs. Your choices of breeds sound good. I have 6 PR's that have started laying at 4 1/2 months. They are docile and excellent egg layers. Might be an alternative to the NH which isn't a bad choice in itself.

 

[BigRooNTN]

Thanks. Never thought of getting Production Reds for egg laying. I believe everyone has talked me into getting chicks. I totally agree now. It would tame them more. I have Grandkids and I want them to be a part of the rearing of the chicks.

Now. To design my coop. I have a barn type shed that will be used.