Hello from Maine!

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TildaMai

TildaMai

Hatching
5 Years
Joined
Mar 29, 2014
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Location
Topsham, Maine
Hi all,

I am need of some help choosing a breed and am hoping someone more experienced may be able to make some suggestions. I have spent hours researching and am still none the wiser! I live in mid-coast Maine and am looking for up to 6 chickens to keep in our back garden. It isn't a large garden by any means but there is room for a large run and if we put up some fencing there would be more room for them to wander a little free. We have a barn with a smaller addition to the side that we plan to build the coop into. My main concern would be the cold where we are, though we are close to the coast and a little warmer than inland. I have read that Chanteclers are a good breed for cold but it does get very hot in the summer so not sure. Also sexlinks seem to be a popular choice for this climate, any thoughts? I have two daughters, 12 and 7 so a breed that is perhaps a little more sociable so the girls can get more enjoyment from taking care of them.

Thank you
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I have 2 barred rocks and 2 red productions. I have to say i love my brs. They are so docile that my 3 yr old grand daughter picks them up and kisses them on their beaks. My reds shy away from her.
 


I have trouble with frost bite on some of my single comb birds. I have better luck with rose or pea combs. Spangled Ortloffs are relativity rare, but they are beautiful birds, who are relativity good layers, do super in the cold, and have a sweet personality -- if you are looking for something a little different from your normal backyard breeds.

I had black australorps when I lived in Upstate NY and it gets fridged there and they did fine, they are pretty common, docile, and lay nearly if not as well as the hybrid layers.
 
Thanks for the welcome impulsive farmer. I've not heard of the breads you mentioned, where would I find a breeder? I see a few bigger run companies online but I have no idea who to avoid and who is reputable. I grew up with chickens, I believe they were production reds but this was in the UK and the climate is far milder. I would be interested in getting something a little more unusual though I do love the look of the barred rock. Is it possible to mix a couple of different breeds?
 
For me, a single 'ol senior citizen retired, I am getting Black Australorps. They are such friendly chickens! Good layers, brown eggs, very hardy in cold climates. They'll let you handle them...follow you around...I think they're a beautiful breed!





Australorp
Australorps are the Australian take on the Orpington breed. They are calm and friendly, and excellent layers of light brown eggs. The Australorp's exceptionally soft, shiny black plumage has hints of green and purple in the sunlight. Peaceful and dignified, Australorps are an absolutely delightful bird which we highly recommend to anyone who wants a pet chicken that lays dependably. Very hardy in colder climates.

Best of luck to you in your venture!
 
I found that my brs are very motherly to my 1 month production reds.
 
TildaMai said:
Thanks for the welcome impulsive farmer. I've not heard of the breads you mentioned, where would I find a breeder? I see a few bigger run companies online but I have no idea who to avoid and who is reputable. I grew up with chickens, I believe they were production reds but this was in the UK and the climate is far milder. I would be interested in getting something a little more unusual though I do love the look of the barred rock. Is it possible to mix a couple of different breeds?
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Oh yes you can mix to your heart's delight! I have some beautiful mutts running around.

For australorps I just got mine at the local Tractor Supply, mine got the chicks from a hatchery called Mt.Healthy and they were wonderful birds. The orloffs I have came from Sand Hill Preservation center in an assortment I got last year (you have to order a min of 25 and they are straight run - unsexed only).

If you are only looking for a few birds though try to find someone local. They will know what works in your climate and will likely be able to sell you a few birds at a time. Go to your local feed store and ask around, they normally can point you in the direction of a breeder. There are also state threads on this forum where you can post and ask other people from your area if they know of breeders.

Personally, if I want a specific breed I normally order hatching eggs from either here or ebay.
 

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