Help a newbie

[OneNothing]

We are interested in joining the "flock" of folks who keep chickens. We've checked the ordinances and we can have hens but no roos (which is what we'd prefer anyway). We've been doing lots of research and we are at our first crossroad so we thought we'd ask the forum. What breed(s) should we get to start out? We are looking at getting about 5 chicks.

We'd like them to be friendly and not too noisy (gotta keep the neighbors happy). Also, we live north of Dallas, Texas where the winters can get a bit cold ( in the 30s) and the summers are ... well..... hot & humid. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
~Erick

 

[ShaggysGirl]

Hi Erick

If I could only have 5 I think I would go with Easter Eggers since they all look different, easy to tell apart, good temperament & got to love those blue, and green eggs

 

[mschickychick]

I started out with Plymouth Rocks. They come in lots of colors. Mine were barred in color. They were friendly and easy to raise. They are good layers too.

Have you been to the Breeds Chart? You can check out lots of breeds there. You can sort the page by clicking the column heading to help you find what you are looking for better. It's a great resource. The Breed Chart link is located at the top of your page but here's the link:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/breeds/breed-chart

Best of luck finding that perfect breed for you.

 

[Katy_didnot]

There is a wonderful book called 'Storey's illustrated guide to poultry breeds" Wonderful info. ( i sit and read and dream through it). I already have a small flock, but I'm thinking about what I would like next.
Good luck and Welcome!!!

 

[chicknjane]

Oh, my buff orpingtons are the sweetest ladies. They will allow my 2 and 4 year old to pet and hand feed them. Of course, my wyandottes have a good temperment, however, they are very shy and don't let anyone close enough to pick them up. And the australorp is sweet, but a little bossy with my kids, but only if she's got chicks.

Here are some sites that list breeds and temperaments, cold and heat tolerances, etc.

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/poultry/chickens/
http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Also, My Pet chicken has a neat little chicken selector tool that helps you find a breed to meet your needs.

http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

Good Luck

 

[easttxchick]

I love the barred rocks and australorps-mine are easygoing, friendly, not noisy at all and docile. At 5 months old, they still come get in my lap when I go out with a treat.

 

[Capone]

are you looking for alot of eggs or just pets

 

[chaneg78]

I would get one of five different breeds. My favorite is speckled sussex though.

 

[mikesbigroo]

Welcome !!! i went thru this awhile back, ended up getting the G-Kids some barred rocks and RIRs, they handle them all the time and the chickens like it

 

[Ridgerunner]

Since you mentioned chicks, I'd suggest looking at the sex links. You should not wind up with any roosters, which can be hard to get rid of once you become attached. The sex links readily available are good egg producers and usually docile hens.

As far as 30 degrees, do not even think that is approaching cold for chickens. They will love that. Your heat is more of a concern, but practically any chicken will do OK with your heat as long as you provide shade and plenty of water. A taller than normal coop (or maybe an insulated roof) with good ventilation high and low can help a lot in the summers also. There is a reason they built rooms with tall ceilings before air conditioning. Hot air rises and that extra height makes a difference in how cool it is.