Having a really hard time deciding..Please help!!

[Hopefulloflove]

OK...I posted on another thread, but am still so confused...so, here is what I want to know...If I want good layers (I want to be able to sell extra eggs), are BA's a good choice? I have heard they are relaxed too...I also was thinking I might like to have a couple of silkies...do they make good pets? I basically want most of the flock for egg laying, but would like a couple that we can call pets...Please help, because I need to let the lady know TODAY, so she can hold them for me...Her website is here, perhaps you guys can have a look and let me know what you'd choose from her offerings!

whttp://www.poultrypeople.com/

Thanks in Advance!

I am so thankful I found this forum! You folks are the best!!!

Kate

 

[Hopefulloflove]

Maybe Sex Links instead of BA's?? Agghhh!! Why am I making this harder on myself?!

 

[Gallusfarm]

Just don't think you can beat a sex link for egg production.

I know nothing about Silkies personally, except that they are gentle and soft - certainly good for a pet.

Good luck!

ETA: The Australorps are going to be a heavier bird, that's one difference. Why not get a few of each and see how they do?

 

[chicmom]

Hello there!

I think, and I've had several different breeds, that picking red sex link chickens is your best bet for lots of nice big brown eggs!

I have a flock of laying hens, and then I have my little flock of "eye candy" bantams that I keep, just because I think they're so pretty! I have two Polish bantams, and two bantam frizzle cochins. (One of the polish is a frizzle--cute as heck!)

I think that's a great idea! Keep a few "pet" chickens, and a flock of layers!

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

If you want a few pets and good egg layers, maybe get Buff Orpingtons. They lay great and are really friendly!

They come in other colors too, blue or whatever you want. I think they are pretty too! If I was in your shoes I would get Orpingtons.

 

[Hopefulloflove]

I am only choosing from what this lady is offering. She is close to me and has good references and background and I don't want to take a chance with trying to ship chicks right now, being my first time.

She has...


Barnevelders
Black Australorps
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Brahmas Buff Brahmas
Dark Brahmas
Light Brahmas
Gold Laced Polish
Marans Blue Copper Marans
Black Copper Marans
Sex Links
Silkies

 

[CatUT]

I love my orpingtons in the way of personality. They are very calm and gentle. Mine haven't started laying yet but my brother has some and he gets tons of eggs.

 

[Tiss]

My sex links are my friendliest birds and each lays 5-6 large eggs per week. The only bird I have that rivals them in production is my leghorn and she's not as friendly.

My BO might lay 1-2 eggs a week, which I think is on the low end for the breed.

I have 2 Black Copper Marans chicks now and have read that they are very good layers of large eggs. We shall see...

My vote for production and pet value is Sex Link, all the way.

 

[gis777]

From my research, Black Australorps are great egg layers. We have 4 of them, they are only 3 weeks old but I have heard from many Farmers these are superb! Sex links are also high production layers. I also have 2 silkies and they will not be great layers but definatly pets!

Good luck!