Hi from California

[EastBayChickens]

We live in the suburban San Francisco area and are in the process of preparing for chicks. We want to be as ready and armed with info as possible before we order/pick them up at the feed store. Our feed store doesn't seem to carry what we are really looking for in the way of bantams. If anyone knows of other feed stores with a better selection in the greater Bay Area, please let me know. We're in Concord.

I'm glad I found this site! I've learned a lot already!

We are still trying to figure out which kinds we want...4-6 bantam hens is the goal. Any suggestions?

 

[miss_thenorth]

Just curious......., why are you considering bantams? Reason I ask, is I just recently acquired 5 bantammixes and haven't figured out what they are good for, other than lawn ornaments--they don't lay alot, and are too small really for meat. As i said--just curious. I don't mind having them as lawn ornaments

 

[EastBayChickens]

We're mostly looking to have them as pets, so egg laying is not top priority, but will be a nice extra. I've heard that while silkies are pretty broody, they are better layers than most bantams (I know, not saying much.) My husband really loves birds and thought the silkies would be a good match with our relatively small yard and our young kids.

We're definitely not interested in the meat part...we're lacto/ovo vegetarian. If/when we live further out of town and have more space and our kids are older, we may go for some bigger breeds.

lawn ornaments...love it!

I'm cool with some lawn ornaments too.

 

[Wooden_Pony]

Well if you are wanting small, the bonus of eggs, and good pet chickens for your kids. Bantam cochins are great for that. They can get broody but are good layers and cochins are very friendly chickens. There are of course exceptions to that but in gerneral cochins are sweet good natured birds.

Oh and welcome to the forum!

 

[WDPKS]

What kind of Batams did you have in mind?

There is a Batam only show in Bakersfied on 3/8 they should have birds for sale

Also Eggbid.com

 

[starshrike]

Hi all, I'm located near San Jose.. looking to get chicken(s) again. I had a White Leghorn pullet awhile back and am missing tasty eggs! Trying to see if I can get some brown egg layers now. I also haven't really figured out how many I can have around here - the city ordinance isn't very clear about chickens..

My main problem is finding a feed store or anywhere local would sell chicks. The nearest TSC is over an hour away, and I prefer to get them locally vs. from hatcheries. I can't even find any at the local shelter (which I think would be a good thing!)

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

FYI: Concord Feed is listing their chicks / delivery online and also have a coupon for 20% off of chicken food, feeders, etc. when you buy a chick:

http://www.concordfeed.com/chickdates.htm

Great store and great deal!