Hello! Newbie from Boston area with a question :)

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BirdIsTheWurd

BirdIsTheWurd

Chirping
12 Years
Apr 9, 2012
33
11
99
Massachusetts
Hi, I am just getting started on my chicken journey.
I have a coop, am building a run and gathering supplies. Have been planning this for awhile, but now I find myself in a dilemma, and would appreciate advice.
I do not want chicks, planning to get pullets and start a small flock of 4 or 5.
I have one source who can sell me 19 wk old Golden Comets (not laying yet though). This is tempting because I like the breed and I would get eggs very quickly.
The other source has 6-8 week pullets available starting in June/July and one of the breeds is the Easter Egger, which was my top choice. They also have Buff Orpingtons and Light Brahma breeds (which I know aren't great layer, but I love the fluffy feet).
I really wanted variety in my little flock and, ideally, I wish I could get a couple of the Golden Comets now and then add a couple more (maybe 2 Easter Eggers and a Light Brahma) later so I could have eggs soon and variety... but I know that's risky from a pathogen standpoint. What would you do?
Any advice appreciated!
(also, the G.Comets have their beaks trimmed... is that something that should concern me?)

Thanks!
smile.png
 
Welcome to the BYC forum!

I like having a mixed flock. Ideally if you add chickens to an established flock you would quarantine them for a month to make sure they have no communicable diseases. That isn't really difficult if you only get three which you could put in a large dog crate in the garage. You may want to ask about vaccines given to the pullets.

As far as the Golden Comets having their beaks trimmed, I don't have first hand experience, but ask the owner what kind of feed is best for a trimmed beak pellet or crumble. Other members may have advice on this. At least you won't have to worry about pecking as much when you add more chickens to the flock.
 

BirdIsTheWurd said:
Hi, I am just getting started on my chicken journey.
I have a coop, am building a run and gathering supplies. Have been planning this for awhile, but now I find myself in a dilemma, and would appreciate advice.
I do not want chicks, planning to get pullets and start a small flock of 4 or 5.
I have one source who can sell me 19 wk old Golden Comets (not laying yet though). This is tempting because I like the breed and I would get eggs very quickly.
The other source has 6-8 week pullets available starting in June/July and one of the breeds is the Easter Egger, which was my top choice. They also have Buff Orpingtons and Light Brahma breeds (which I know aren't great layer, but I love the fluffy feet).
I really wanted variety in my little flock and, ideally, I wish I could get a couple of the Golden Comets now and then add a couple more (maybe 2 Easter Eggers and a Light Brahma) later so I could have eggs soon and variety... but I know that's risky from a pathogen standpoint. What would you do?
Any advice appreciated!
(also, the G.Comets have their beaks trimmed... is that something that should concern me?)

Thanks!
smile.png
Click to expand...
 
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