Good Urban Hens?

[conradpdx]

The hatchery does offer the Buff Orpington and Black Australorp. And honestly (epically with the Australorp) I was more worried about getting too many eggs. Which wouldn't bother me too much if I could find the time to man a booth at one of our many farmers markets, but I'm lucky if I got time to shop at one most the time, let alone man a booth. Cause for a beginner looking at 800-900 eggs a year is a bit intimidating.

I think that part of my confusion lies in the fact that most the time the amount of eggs a breed lays is usually only mentioned if it's really good or if it's not great. I see little info on the rates of some of the breeds like the Light Brahmas or the Salmon Faverolles, which seem a little more "pet like" (cute?) for 4 year old over some of the other breeds. and I like the Araucanas for kid appeal as well (what kid can resist Easter every day or every other day?).

Though now I'm thinking I gunna aim for a Buff for steady eggs, Light Brahmas for me (I just like the looks of it) and an Araucanas for the kids.

And though I'd have no problem with sending one to a pot after it's done laying, my wife and kids have already been picking out names. And they didn't appreciate my suggestions of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.


<ps thanks for the Mypetchicken.link...I visited the site before but for some reason never noticed the pick the right chicken poll. Very nice.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Take a look at this chart:

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Find the breed you are interested in and follow the line across to the right. You'll see drawings of piles of eggs - large piles, heavy layer, small piles, not so great.

My LF brahmas are about 9 1/2 months old now. I now have 14 hens and a rooster. I got a total of 73 eggs in the last week.
If you like the light brahmas looks, you might want to take a look at the buffs too. Beautiful golden color and their black marking have a pretty green sheen to them in the sunshine.
Good luck with your future chooks.

 

[oldbuzzard]

i can only comment on buff orps. you will love them! get the brahmas and araucanas too! you will have a wonderful backyard flock. something for everyone.

goodluck with what ever you choose!

 

[gardener]

Dont worry about getting rid of eggs from a few hens.
I had a dozen hens and they couldnt keep up with the demand I got from the few people I work with. People love fresh eggs over the store bought ones. So between neighbors, family and freinds or co workers you might have more demand for them than you think.

 

[banter]

I had Salmon Favorelles in Woburn, Ma. with no prob until the rooster started crowing. The neighbors were cool about it and I only re-homed them because I felt they were going to a super home. Sweet gentle chickens!

 

[Montana-Hens]

I think you have made some great choices.

I currently have and love the buff brahama. She is has a BO personality and has been a great layer of large eggs. She has feathery feet, but don't have problems with mud, snow, or rain. They get wet and then they dry.

I have had an alstrolope and she was a great layer for years. BO's I have had are just like goofy dogs.

Like you I have 4 different ladies at a time, so a small flock person.

My only word of caution is Easter eggers are fun b/c who knows what kind of eggs you will get. On the flip side they are Mutts and like mutt dogs and stray cats you can get an occasional one who has a less than nice personality. But remember there is always craig's list if that happens.

As far as eggs. You don't say where you live, but over the winter egg production may drop off. I don't use supplemental light and I only gave away 2 dozen all winter. We used the rest.

Good luck and welcome to the world of small flocks.

 

[coffeelady3]

My black sex-link is the queen of the power layers! (And is as sweet as can be!)

 

[HorseFeathers]

I think any that aren't loud would be a good choice.

 

[BeckyLa]

Since you are getting your children involved, I think you should get 1 or 2 Easter Eggers, or Americanas, so the kids will have the fun of finding colored eggs in the nests, not just brown but blue or green or even pink. And they are very sweet and easy to handle birds.