How do I decide what breed of laying hens to start a backyard flock?

[Celie]

I am confused! Are we talking chickens or turkeys?

 

[tlizotte]

Chickens

 

[popsicle]

Chickens

The problem is that this thread got posted in the Turkey section. Maybe a moderator could move it? I dunno how to request such a thing.

 

[All Henned Up]

My leghorns are my best layers, x-large white egg.
Welcome and enjoy

Steve.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC!

Happy you joined!

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

The problem is that this thread got posted in the Turkey section. Maybe a moderator could move it? I dunno how to request such a thing.

It is posted under "New Member Introductions".

 

[popsicle]

It is posted under "New Member Introductions".

Now it is. If you go to the turkey forum you will see this:

 

[DCchicken]

Probably the first question you need to ask is whether or not you want roosters (or can you even have them at your location)? It is a horrible thing to spend time raising a chicken only to have to re-home it. If you cannot have roosters, may I recommend some of the auto-sexing birds like the Cream Legbars, Bielefelders, Rhodebars, etc. Auto-sexing means that they are born with specific markers (usually different colors or a dot for boys). That way you can be sure that you are buying a female.

If you don't care about getting a rooster, Orpingtons in a variety of colors are highly recommended. They are also very friendly chickens. Of the 12+ breeds that I have, my Partridge Orpingtons are the only ones that come up to me and actually expect me to pet them.

I would also recommend you look for a local breeder this time of year. Shipping birds can be dangerous in the fall. Plus if you get a chick that later turns out to be a rooster, many local breeders will gladly swap you for a hen.

 

[tlizotte]

So if you order day old chicks that are all supposed to be females you might still get males? I live in the country so I can have whatever I want but being new to this I only want hens to start. No roosters until I'm more sure of myself.

 

[drumstick diva]

Some hatcheries allow you to buy one sex or the other usually for a higher price. My Pet Chicken quarantees the sex of the birds if you pay more. This doesn't mean accidents don't happen but, the majority of your birds should be the sex you want.

As to breed or breeds - it's not life or death. Cut yourself some slack, maybe get 2 or 3 different breeds and after you have them you may find you like a certain breed the best. Then you'll know you want more of them, etc. Or you may be very pleased with a variety .