Help me Pick

[toasterburn]

We don't have many options as to where to buy our first chicks from. The ones at our local Tractor Supply seem the healthiest.

They have:

• Red Pullets
• Assorted Pullets tetra tint
• Assorted Bantams

There is also a local farmer that might have some "Old English Game Bantums" for sale.

We are interested in getting 6 good layers with good attitudes. Any suggestions?

 

[iwiw60]

Good layers, brown eggs, very hardy in cold climates. They'll let you handle them...follow you around...I think they're a beautiful breed!





Australorp
Australorps are the Australian take on the Orpington breed. They are calm and friendly, and excellent layers of light brown eggs. The Australorp's exceptionally soft, shiny black plumage has hints of green and purple in the sunlight. Peaceful and dignified, Australorps are an absolutely delightful bird which we highly recommend to anyone who wants a pet chicken that lays dependably. Very hardy in colder climates.

Best of luck to you in your venture!

 

[toasterburn]

If I had access to that breed that would be great, but locally my options are limited. Tractor Supply and a local farmers coop seem to be the only places selling them. The chicks at the coop are housed in what I could only describe as bakers racks. They are cramped, dirty, and it's hard to stand going in there because of the smell. The ones at the tractor supply are clean and have room to move around.

I've also been reaching out to local farmers, but so far haven't found any with chicks to sell.

 

[iwiw60]

Can you go to Tractor Supply and request they "order" some Black Australorps for you? That's what I did here at my local feed supply store...just thinkin'

 

[toasterburn]

Well, I take that back. A little searching on craigslist and someone is selling that breed a couple of hours away, but I hate driving that far so I'd prefer to buy locally. If the tractor supply breeds aren't good choices, then I might have to.

 

[toasterburn]

Can you go to Tractor Supply and request they "order" some Black Australorps for you? That's what I did here at my local feed supply store...just thinkin'

Hmm, didn't occur to me to special order chicks. I suppose I could ask. Is there any other breeds that are worth requesting, or do you recommend all Australorps?

 

[iwiw60]

Hmm, didn't occur to me to special order chicks. I suppose I could ask. Is there any other breeds that are worth requesting, or do you recommend all Australorps?

Well, being a 'newbie' like you, and after doing much research into what I wanted in chickens, the Black Australorps are the ticket. I'm an 'ol senior citizen and don't get around too good anymore, so this breed was my pick. They are calm, very friendly, lay brown eggs, and do well in cold climates, which I have plenty of!LOL After all is said and done, it's really up to you to decide which is best for you. If you have small children I'd recommend them for sure. Yes, go in and ask to order the breed of chicks you end up wanting..

 

[Farmgirl245]

I would choose the red pullets as a first choice since they are local. They lay pretty well ( I have four of them) they are freindly too. But if you can find any locally I would suggest black Austrolorpes or buff Orpingtons.

 

[Farmgirl245]

Oh and if you special order chicks most tractor supply's have a minimum of 25 birds.

 

[cstronks]

Since you want a good layer, your choices are red pullets and tetra tints. I would go with the reds. Avoid bantams, because they are not very good layers and the eggs are small. I've never had tetra tints, but they produce well and lay cream colored eggs. Reds will give you large brown eggs on a daily basis.