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06kids

In the Brooder
Mar 24, 2020
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Hello!
We are new to chickens, although we have had chickens before for about 2 years off and on.
At the moment we have the chicken tractor ready to go and are getting the area ready where they will begin their free-ranging on our farm.
We would like to start out with about 6 to 12 chickens. Not sure which breeds, but we have been looking at Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rock, and White Leghorns. Possibly Golden Comets.
We are looking to get chickens for the eggs and the possibility of lowering the tick population.
My husband, (of 48 yrs), and I have 6 children, from ages 25 up to age 47. The youngest 2, (ages 25 and 27), live with us on the farm. We also have 14, (soon to be 15), grandchildren.
On our farm we have beef cows, (for meat and work! :D ); Jersey, and Ayrshire, milk cows, (for milk, butter, and cheese); 1 sheep, (to spin wool); several goats, (4-H leaders and members); 2 dogs, (1 Border-Beagle, 1 Newfoundland); a small fish tank; and various 'Drop-off-they-have-a-barn' cats.
My husband and I are retired Rural Mail Carriers, he also has a vehicle inspection station, and I am a notary.
I came across BYC yesterday while trying to see which chickens are recommended for our situation! I understand Guinea hens are GREAT for lowering the tick population, but I also understand that they have big mouths and might be annoying to any visitors!!! :D
Thank you for allowing us to join your forum.
 
06kids said:
Hello!
We are new to chickens, although we have had chickens before for about 2 years off and on.
At the moment we have the chicken tractor ready to go and are getting the area ready where they will begin their free-ranging on our farm.
We would like to start out with about 6 to 12 chickens. Not sure which breeds, but we have been looking at Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rock, and White Leghorns. Possibly Golden Comets.
We are looking to get chickens for the eggs and the possibility of lowering the tick population.
My husband, (of 48 yrs), and I have 6 children, from ages 25 up to age 47. The youngest 2, (ages 25 and 27), live with us on the farm. We also have 14, (soon to be 15), grandchildren.
On our farm we have beef cows, (for meat and work! :D ); Jersey, and Ayrshire, milk cows, (for milk, butter, and cheese); 1 sheep, (to spin wool); several goats, (4-H leaders and members); 2 dogs, (1 Border-Beagle, 1 Newfoundland); a small fish tank; and various 'Drop-off-they-have-a-barn' cats.
My husband and I are retired Rural Mail Carriers, he also has a vehicle inspection station, and I am a notary.
I came across BYC yesterday while trying to see which chickens are recommended for our situation! I understand Guinea hens are GREAT for lowering the tick population, but I also understand that they have big mouths and might be annoying to any visitors!!! :D
Thank you for allowing us to join your forum.
Click to expand...
Welcome to BY Chickens. You are going to love it here.

Something very important to consider when choosing your breeds is why you want them and what your long term plan is.

If you are looking for pets and for having the chickens for a long time, 6 years or longer, I would stay away from heavy egg laying breeds like Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds. If the description says prodigious layers then they are prone internal issues and tend to have short lifespans.

If you are getting them primarily for eggs you will want to cycle your hens anyway as they tend to slow down after 3 to 4 years.

There are compromise breeds that lay well but don't burn out as fast.

Do some research and understand what you are getting into.

Regardless of the breed, and I have 6 different breeds in my flock, they all are fabulous at tick control. I have not seen ticks since I got my first couple of hens and my daughter's dog was always finding a tick in our yard.

More than anything else, you are about to embark on a great journey with some fabulous fascinating animals. Congratulations!
 

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