Hello, starting soon from central Texas.

[Srawl]

Well I am actually deployed right now but when I get back in a couple months plan on getting a couple hens.

I have a lot of research to do but plenty of time to do it. What I do know so far is the two most important qualities; good large egg layer (everyday would be great) and good with kids, I would like them to be as much of a pet as an egg layer. I have a 4 and 5 yr old so friendly with people is a must.

Any direction you can point me would be great. I plan on ordering the Raising Chickens for Dummies book and doing a lot of reading on here but a starting direction would help a lot.

Breed, a good diy coop design, and any other ways do do this as cheaply as possible would be very helpful.

Thanks for any input,

Shane

 

[drumstick diva]

from Illinois there are several breeds that are very good layers but, I don't know how they are around children. Sure someone will come along that could elaborate on that.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Shane, and

! Pleased you joined our community! It is good that you are doing the research now - avoids headache and heartache later! Below is a handy dandy chart that might give you some information. Good luck and best wishes. Also, I salute your service!!

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

 

[Kevin565]

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!

 

[Kilsharion]

 

[Going Bhonkers]

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

The Henderson Chicken Chart is indeed very helpful. You will not, however, get a bird that lays every day - unless you have production-bred fowl, cage them, and keep them under lights 24/7. A great laying breed can lay around 260 + eggs per year, though.

 

[sourland]

Shane, get home safely, and welcome to BYC.