Hi from johnson city, tn

[heiditam]

Hello! My name is Heidi and I have fallen for chickens! We briefly had chickens but sadly they died. I learned the hard way about some Craig's list chickens(3 died within days of purchase and I now know they were sick based on how they looked and acted), and predators(raccoons are not my friends and all wire is not created equally). we loved having 'the girls' though and want some more. Starting fresh, with a new coop, I am debating what breed to get! Decisions! Despite having 11 acres we are in the city limits and our chicken limit is 6. So I gotta make each chicken count and we want eggs! So I am obsessing over all types of friendly brown layers. and enjoying the wealth of info here oh and we want started pullets. Where do u all like to get yours?

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC, Heidi! Glad you decided to join our flock. We all love chickens here at BYC. I'm sorry your chickens died, but it sounds like you've learned a lot through your experiences, and most of us have learned some lessons the hard way over the years, so you are not alone in that. There are some good tools that can help you decide which chicken breeds to get, including some good quick reference charts 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 very good chick selector tool at http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chick_selector.html to help you determine which breeds are best for you. Just be sure and click on "select more characteristics." If you are looking for personal recommendations, I would recommend Black Sex Links for sheer egg production. They are hardy and friendly, brown egg laying machines. Or for a good dual-purpose, standard breed, I would recommend Black Australorps. They are extremely hardy, calm and gentle, and the best layers of the standard, brown egg laying breeds. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Whatever breeds you decide to get, good luck with your flock.

 

[heiditam]

Thank you Michael

 

[Michael OShay]

Thank you Michael

You're welcome.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

So sorry for your losses. I can certainly understand how hard it must have been to see your new birds die.

But there are lots of nice breeds out there. As Michael has mention, I too am very fond of Black Australorps. They are a very friendly, docile breed, hardy and great on the laying. My girls are huge on the lap sitting and I can't sit anywhere without an Aussie on my lap! Buff Orpingtons are very similar and are just as friendly, docile and fun to keep.

But definitely start with good stock. Not any old stranger on the street. People find it easy to sell sick birds they just can't put down themselves. So either start with hatchery chicks or a known private breeder. You can check around here on BYC for some good breeders. You can start in our Buy Sell and Trade section. Lots of trustworthy breeders there....https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/67/buy-sell-trade

You might also do some chatting in your state thread and maybe another member here on BYC locally can help you out with some birds...https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/226276/tennessee

Good luck on this second time around and I hope you can find some nice healthy birds soon.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Sorry for your losses!

Black australorps are a wonderful breed. Buff orps are my personal favorite. They are docile, lap hogs, affectionate, great layers and hardy in cold weather.

X2 on the buy~sell~trade link Two Crows gave you.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good links/suggestions above, good luck with your future flock!

 

[heiditam]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

So sorry for your losses. I can certainly understand how hard it must have been to see your new birds die.

But there are lots of nice breeds out there. As Michael has mention, I too am very fond of Black Australorps. They are a very friendly, docile breed, hardy and great on the laying. My girls are huge on the lap sitting and I can't sit anywhere without an Aussie on my lap! Buff Orpingtons are very similar and are just as friendly, docile and fun to keep.

But definitely start with good stock. Not any old stranger on the street. People find it easy to sell sick birds they just can't put down themselves. So either start with hatchery chicks or a known private breeder. You can check around here on BYC for some good breeders. You can start in our Buy Sell and Trade section. Lots of trustworthy breeders there....https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/67/buy-sell-trade

You might also do some chatting in your state thread and maybe another member here on BYC locally can help you out with some birds...https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/226276/tennessee

Good luck on this second time around and I hope you can find some nice healthy birds soon.

Thanks! Oh yes, I def learned my lesson...ordering from breeders I find here or hatcheries.

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Sorry for your losses!

Black australorps are a wonderful breed. Buff orps are my personal favorite. They are docile, lap hogs, affectionate, great layers and hardy in cold weather.

X2 on the buy~sell~trade link Two Crows gave you.

Thanks. I have an inquiry out on the black asutralorps and will look into the buff orps-I worry they may be too broody for me, but I love what I read about how friendly they are.

Hello

and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good links/suggestions above, good luck with your future flock!

Thanks!

 

[drumstick diva]