Hello

[ENor70]

Hi Everyone:

I am new to the board as of today, and amazed at the amount of information here. Thanks to the BYC admins for such a helpful site.

Though I was raised in rural Midwestern America I've never had, or really dealt with, chickens. However, that is about to change. I am going to start construction on a coop in the next month or so, and hope to have some chicks by November or December. I am considering two or more of the following: Barred Plymouth Rocks, Blue Orpingtons, Iowa Blues, and Buckeyes. They will be primarily, though not exclusively, for eggs and brooding. But, if the numbers increase dramatically I may occasionally butcher a few. I'd like to have 15 to 20-ish birds continuously . . . I think. Any suggestions/comments on these breeds, and how they might mix and match, are very welcome.

I look forward to learning a lot from this site, and trying my hand at raising chickens!

 

[drumstick diva]

If you live in parts of the Middle west that have long, rough winters I would suggest you get chicks in spring, OR, get older pullets that won't need heat lamps and brooder boxes.

You may also want to join your state thread to discover what type of coop you need for the climate, and what breeds would do best. Generally chickens can tolerate cold much better than heat.

 

[3riverschick]

ENor70,
If I wanted chicks this time of year, here's what I would do. It's late for them...but...the breeders are just now downsizing their flocks for overwintering and there are a bunch of real nice started birds going to be coming on the market. Get them. It will redeem time for you as if you got chicks hatched in Feb, or April like everyone else. Next Spring, your pullets will be ready to lay with the rest of us and you can join in the fun of hatch-a-longs and everything else in chick season. Plus, you will have the winter to finish raising you started birds ad get to know the different breeds you chose. One other thing, buying started birds is great because the breeder has had time to cull them once or twice for quality. You get a "known quality". Always a good thing. You will pay a bit more, but not as much more than if you had raised them yourself. It's a you save overall and win situation. I started my Light Sussex flock with started birds and never regretted it!
Best.
Karen

 

[3riverschick]

where can I find these breeds near where I live? Go to the national breed club for each breed and look up the Breeder's Directory. Buy a sample copy of Poultry Press newspaper ( website) and look for ads. Ask on the BYC discussions for each breed.
Best,
Karen

 

[Cynthia12]

If you are wanting older chicks..pullets..cockerals...watch closely as to how the folks have them taken care of. Make sure you are not hearing any sneezing, or coughing from them. You don't want any sick chickens to start with. :/ Ask questions..as to what they do for the chickens. Feed, housing...etc.

 

[N F C]

Are you by any chance an ISU fan? Your avatar looks familiar, lol.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

 

[ENor70]

Thanks to everyone for the kind 'welcomes', and the great information. I appreciate it!

I have a coop style and plan in mind, and I will insulate and run electric to it. Hopefully the coop and chickens will then be able to handle the cold winters and the hot/humid summers.

Drumstick Diva and 3riverschick, thanks for the recommendation of getting starter birds. That is an excellent idea, and I will check w/some local breeders to see if they can supply them.

And, NorthFLChick, that is in fact CY.

Go Clones!

Again, thanks to y'all for the info!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!