Hello!

[drumstick diva]

 

[Michael OShay]

I have to admit I haven't tackled breed. I live in northern MD with all 4 seasons represented well. User friendly egg layers the family will enjoy is all I know so far. All hens too.

Cold hardy breeds that lay well and have a well deserved reputation for being friendly, calm, and gentle include Australorps, Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Sussex. My children made lap pets of all of these breeds. If egg production is a priority, Australorps are the best layers on this list. If you aren't objectionable to hybrids (which shouldn't be a problem since you are planning to get all hens), I recommend Black Sex Links (Black Stars), which are hardy and friendly, egg laying machines. I've raised them for years (along with dozens of other breeds and hybrids), and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 eggs per hen per year. There are some good quick reference charts you can use to research the various breeds at http://albc-usa.etapwss.com/images/uploads/docs/pickachicken.pdf, http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/breed-list.aspx, and http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html. Also Murray McMurray has a good "chick selector" tool at https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chick_selector.html to help you determine which breed or hybrid is best for you. Just be sure and click on "show more characteristics." Whatever breed or hybrid you end up getting, good luck with your flock.

 

[ChickyChickens]

Welcome to BYC!!! There are loads of members on here…so if you have ANY questions…just ASK!!!

Hope you have loads of fun and all your answers answered here on BYC the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM on EARTH!!

 

[CrazyChookz]

and have a happy 2015! Good luck and enjoy Backyard Chickens.

 

[sunflour]

glad you joined us. Happy New Year.

 

[Book Em Danno25]

 

[A2Kzoo2]

I`m new to BYC and the idea of raising chickens, in general. Just moving back to MI after 10+ years in NY. When looking for a house, we were looking for acreage because we are avid gardeners and wanted to add some animals to help with our self-sustainability. We happen to be in contract for a house that will actually include the coop, run, and a flock of chickens (looks like 4 breeds? I`m still trying to figure out what breeds). My husband is a chef, so we do plan on not only eating the eggs, but raising some for meat. If anyone has suggestions on general care and maintenance of the flock, i`d appreciate any tips. I have been reading many of the articles (definitely looking forward to setting up a compost pile that includes the chicken waste). Is there a good place to find an easy list of daily/weekly care tips?

Also, 4 of the chickens look like they may be juvenile silkies(?), which I`m assuming were going to be introduced to the main flock. They are currently in a separate coop/run that is adjacent to the main coop/run. Any tips on how to integrate them into the main flock?

I do not plan on free ranging them, because, if nothing else, my dogs may become predators, but i have read a book about someone who used a mobile coop. I like the idea of setting up a way to have them forage different parts of the yard/garden, fertilizing along the way. Are there any resources for setting up a mobile coop and run?