Growing my Flock

[lcourtneymom]

We've been loving our first chicken flock! We have six buff orpingtons that we got last March at Southern States. Luckily they did all turn out to be hens. We want to add six more this spring. My husband built a large coop and run to start with, and the girls get to free range part of the day as well.

I have two questions:
1- Where is really the best place to get chicks? Our Southern States closed, and I've heard bad things about Tractor Supply.

2- Does it matter what breed I get next? I love my buffs, but I also think I would like some diversity. Are there any breeds that shouldn't be together?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Tractor Supply is okay, they just tend to mix different breeds together just because not all the employees know about chickens. But it would help if you knew the breed you were going to get and what the chicks look like.
We have an Ace Hardware that is really good. And a neighboring town that has a Fourmans (another small hardware store)
We also have a Co-op that will only order chicks that you preorder.
I personally prefer to see the chicks and choose which ones I like.
Do you have any small hardware stores in your area?
You could also ask on your State Thread to see where others purchase chicks from to decide which store would be a best fit for you.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

If you get something with a crest, get at least 2 so they aren't the only target.

TSC honestly is fine, but you just don't always know you're getting the right breed.

 

[50-45-1]

You may pay for pullets and end up with a rooster or two no matter where you get them but I have better luck direct from hatcheries. Murray McMurry, Cackle, Hoffmans,Ideal....
I have had chicks mailed to me from many of these with little to no losses. I order 25 chicks tho which I think is better than just a few.
Go to some of these websites and see if you like a particular look or breed. Are you looking for eggs, meat or dual purpose?
To avoid problems try to stick with the same size of chicken, sometimes a topnot, bantam or silky will be picked on in a standard flock.
My favorites are speckled sussex, silver grey dorkings, and turkens. Personaly i Like straight combs and clean legs.
Figure out what you like.
Good luck and have fun!