Hi, I'm new to raising chickens.

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Yes, I'm looking for 5 young pet hens, preferably unique breeds such as:
Silkies
Buff Orpingtons
Light Sussex
Brahma
Ameraucana
Easter Eggers
Olive Eggers
Cream Legbar

I figure I might as well aim for fun eggs and quirky personalities since I'll have them for years. I'm avoiding mass production hens from large corporate hatcheries.

I'm struggling to find breeders or small hatcheries in my area. I'm located in George, WC. Do you know of any breeders within a 2-3 hour drive of me?

oh wait didn't see this. if you want Orpingtons, you might like a Lavender Orpington. they are a really pretty grey color.

 

[High-Hopes333]

Welcome to BYC!
First build a coop...a walk in coop.
Then order sexed chicks from a major hatchery like ideal Poultry.

I plan to build a coop specifically designed for the chicken breeds I'm able to get. I'll need to factor in door size, perch heights, and overall space. I'd like to buy Silkies, Brahmas, Buff Orpingtons, Easter Eggers, etc.

I'm great at designing and building things, so this won't be a factor. Once I have a confirmation of which breeds I'm able to get, I'll build them a perfect home.

Luckily, they should only need a house to sleep in and nesting box. I live in a predator free area with a lovely fenced in yard for them to roam safely in. They'll have lots of grassy space. Also the weather is very mild here - not freezing, nor hot (average 12c-25c) with occasional light showers.

 

[High-Hopes333]

are you in the states? I would see if there is a Tractor Supply near you.

also, people will tell you that Rhode Island Reds are "docile", but if I were you, I would go with Plymouth Barred Rocks, Bearded Americanas, Orpingtons, or Australorps.

I seen online that Rhode Island Reds aren't always that docile... I would love some Orpingtons, or Australorps.

 

[High-Hopes333]

are you in the states? I would see if there is a Tractor Supply near you.

also, people will tell you that Rhode Island Reds are "docile", but if I were you, I would go with Plymouth Barred Rocks, Bearded Americanas, Orpingtons, or Australorps.

I'm from California, but I've lived in South Africa for the last decade. It's really beautiful here.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska! The Best of Luck with your Plans.

 

[High-Hopes333]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Best wishes finding and establishing your flock, @N F C has left you with some great ideas. If you live in a rural area, 4-H clubs are wonderful ways to get in touch with local poultry keepers too.

Make yourself at home here and welcome to our community!

Thank you

 

[High-Hopes333]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would first start with learning what housing needs they have and building a proper coop and run for them. THEN get chicks and brood them in the coop. I ordered my first set of chick from Meyer Hatchery. BUT I also had them shipped to me during mild temperatures to reduce the stress on them. All survived the journey through the USPS.

My thoughts exactly. That is precisely what I plan to do, especially given I want a mixed flock, which will mean different breeds will have different needs.

 

[High-Hopes333]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska! The Best of Luck with your Plans.

Thank you

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us.

I'm from California, but I've lived in South Africa for the last decade. It's really beautiful here.

That makes us helping you find chickens more difficult. Most of the greeters are from the states or Europe. You can try asking where others got their chickens from in your Country Thread. Good luck!

 

[High-Hopes333]

Welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us.

That makes helping your find places more difficult. Most of the greeters are from the states or Europe. You can try asking where others got their chickens in your Country Thread. Good luck!

Thanks