Getting chickens

[Ozarkhomesteader]

I have another question should I leave the chickens in the coop because I have a dog that kills anything on sight (except any thing bigger than her)

well, i would build them a secure run. Chickens left in the coop ALL the time will be not very healthy or happy, though you don't want them to get eaten. When we had a killer dog (before i trained her and when i only had a few birds) i built a 15x10 run that was fully secured (wire dug 2 feet into ground, 6 ft tall wire fence along with a wire covered top. Not even coon got into there. If you are on a budget, you could also just build them a run fence so the dog couldn't get in, and close them up at night so the predators can't eat em.

If the dog isn't outside all the time, and you have a fenced yard or something, you could let them out for a few hours (i usually did around 3-5) keeping the dog inside to give them some exercise, them put them away when you let the dog back out.

 

[afro chicken]

I want a chicken that lay 150 eggs a year

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

I want a chicken that lay 150 eggs a year

well, then Egyptians would be a good choice lol

You can mix and match too. I have over 50 different breeds because i don't like having just one breed per flock. A colorful mixed flock is much more fun, imo

 

[afro chicken]

Good idea I have to keep that in mind
When is a good month to buy the chickens in

 

[afro chicken]

I agree

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

I think 20's to 30's and sort of a lot of snow

mine get a little cooler than that, and you may have a few problems with the egyptians in the cold, though they do great in the heat. I usually have to put petroleum jelly on the combs/wattles(especially the boys) so they don't get frost bite. The leghorns also have that problem.

Also, be careful on your run, this breed loves to fly...i wouldn't reccomend them for someone who has close neighbors. They re not a problem if you are keeping them in a coop/run, but letting them free range you may find them tearing up your neighbors yard or perching on their roof.

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

Good idea I have to keep that in mind
When is a good month to buy the chickens in

cool! i usually get chicks in the spring, which gives them a good chance to get big before my brutal winters hit (though this year has been a brutal summer, lol). If you are buying adults, pretty much any time is fine, though i still don't usually add new birds in the winter. I've gotten chicks in the summer, and even near the end of winter, but you will have to brood them inside.

 

[afro chicken]

I want to buy them as chicks so they imprint on me

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

I want to buy them as chicks so they imprint on me

ok, yeah, that's always fun! How many are you planning on getting?? When imprinting, you will have to spend LOTS of time with the babies, especially if you get egyptians. Egyptians are a flighty breed that in general perfers to avoid human interaction. The would much rather fly away to a tree than hang out with you. I did have a pretty friendly Egyptian, but don't expect a cuddly friendly bird like cochins or something.

Are u in the usa?

 

[afro chicken]

Thanks for the tip and yes and in the Cleveland area