Hello from Indy

[INDovey]

Just wanted to say Hello and nice to be here. I'm just considering starting a small coop of laying hens and figured I would need to learn a few things before bringing any chicks home. This looks like a nice place to learn and share. I figure I will begin with 4-6 brown egg layers and 1 rooster. I've pretty much decided on either Red Star or Australorp. Any input, suggestions or advice would be GREAT.

I do live on a 36 acre farm with a barn and plan to free range the chickens using the a-frame portable coop and will build an inside coop with in/out run in the barn and barn yard.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Here are some sections you can look at to help you get started:

General:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Coops and housing:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops

Breeds:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

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

Frequently asked chicken questions and answers:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/204/backyardchickens-forum-faq#post_1198

(scroll down to second post)

Enjoy the site!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, INDovey, and

! Great to have you here! Sumi has you set up with some great research - good luck and enjoy your chickens!

 

[TwoCrows]

from New Mexico!

You can't go wrong with the Australorp breed. They are all I keep! They are very gentle and docile, easy to handle, are great layers of large brown eggs and can become very affectionate as well. They tolerate the kids too.

Good luck with your new chicken adventures!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[INDovey]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes and amazing help... was also wondering about the Black Stars... in comparison to the other two mentioned, any thoughts?

 

[Kevin565]

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!

 

[liz9910]

 

[INDovey]

Yes the Australorp are a beautiful chicken... I'm really having a problem deciding between them and the Black Star. Both appear to be great warm/cold weather birds, both good egg producers, both lay the lovely large brown eggs that I love. Is there any real advantage to one over the other? I do worry that the Australorp will be too timid and perhaps even a bit nervous. I've heard that if the chickens become nervous they will not produce at well.