Game Chickens

[bpmcwill]

This is probably in the wrong thread, please move if needed. My neighbor offered us 6 game chicken pullets. This is our first flock of chickens. Good for first timers or not? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Michael OShay]

It depends on what you want in a chicken. Game chickens are very hardy, and good brooders and mothers. However if a high laying rate is a priority, you need to go with a different breed; something like Leghorns, Black or Red Sex Links, Australorps, etc.

 

[bpmcwill]

We were looking for layers and also for bug control. Another concern is are these birds aggressive to people, dogs and cats. We will let them free range for part of the day We don't have younguns here, but I would prefer not to be attacked when collecting eggs. I really don't know what type of bird--he just said high dollar game birds. His cousin breeds them and he gets the culls. He also said the birds would not lay until they are about a year old. Really?

 

[Michael OShay]

We were looking for layers and also for bug control. Another concern is are these birds aggressive to people, dogs and cats. We will let them free range for part of the day We don't have younguns here, but I would prefer not to be attacked when collecting eggs. I really don't know what type of bird--he just said high dollar game birds. His cousin breeds them and he gets the culls. He also said the birds would not lay until they are about a year old. Really?

Game birds are frequently on the aggressive side; especially the roosters. Like other breeds, game birds will typically start laying from 20-24 weeks, sometimes a little later than that.

 

[Luke 13V34]

If I'm not mistaken, game birds are the ones originally bred for fighting so they are going to be more aggressive and less useful for other things like eggs and meat.

 

[bpmcwill]

Thank you for the information. After alot of research, I think I am going to pass to the free chickens. I would like to get RIRs or maybe a docile hen/rooster pair from the nonprofit.

 

[Michael OShay]

Thank you for the information. After alot of research, I think I am going to pass to the free chickens. I would like to get RIRs or maybe a docile hen/rooster pair from the nonprofit.

You're welcome.