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

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Hatchery sexing experts are far from perfect. It happens more often than it should that your sexed chick turns out to be an unwanted rooster. And then if you can't have roosters, what do you do? The hatchery is not going to take back the unwanted rooster. They will just offer you a refund fur the incorrectly sexed chick. However it is up to you to deal with the unwanted rooster. In Maryland, you cannot even give away roosters. So many unwanted Roos end up released to the wild and fall to predators or even worse at local shelters. Do yourself a favor and buy from a breeder or buy breeds that are autosexing if you cannot have roosters. If you can and want roosters, I would still buy from a breeder.
 
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One of the bloggers that I follow (www.hencam.com) ordered 26 sexed chicks from Murry McMurray last spring. She got 25 pullets/1 cockerel.

Usually you can sell unwanted cockerels on Craigslist, as long as you are ok with the likelihood of them going to freezer camp. And if you get an accidental roo, it might work out just fine.
 
tlizotte said:
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.
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drumstick diva said:
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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 .
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Yup Drumstick Diva is correct. You will get mostly females if you order them but there is a small chance you'll get a little roo. I also totally agree with trying several different breeds. My Dad has a flock consisting of the beautiful light Brahma, they are lovely big birds. I have some too, but when you see my colorful flock with the red, gold, white, black, and black & white, roaming around it can't be beat! My only conceren is for when I decide to start breeding, but I plan on getting some mutts anyway!
 
tlizotte said:
I have been searching a lot of hatcheries and some have assorted bundles of pullets. Is that worth trying or just pick a breed and do it? I have been leaning towards Leghorns though. Could you recommend a good hatchery?
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I made an order this year from Murray McMurray and they were great. Considering how late I ordered, I was more limited in breeds--but was able to get some good birds for my area (Maine) and at a good price. They all arrived very healthy and in good order. Was my first hatchery order, so I was a little nervous if not skeptical. Nothing to worry about, as it turns out!

As recommended above, Leghorns would be a great option for your needs. If it makes a difference to you, check into what color eggs each breed lays so you can have the color eggs you desire (if this matters to you). Some people care, some do not!

Cheers,
Jazor

p.s. Murray McMurray has a YouTube channel with a tour of their hatchery on it. Far from great film quality, but really a pretty informative vid to check out if you're considering making a hatchery order.
 
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Welcome to BYC! I personally recommend My Pet Chicken for great customer service, you pay more but I received all my 7 babies in great shape/health. Good luck to you.
 
It is such a shame not being able to have a Rooster or two..they are soooo darned entertaining! Shame you can't have one "de-crowed".
 
chknoodles said:
It is such a shame not being able to have a Rooster or two..they are soooo darned entertaining!  Shame you can't have one "de-crowed".
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I think OP can have a rooster but is already overwhelmed by the overload on BYC. I went back and forth myself, especially given that I have small children. I have one (lavender orp) that is 6 months old - he is sweeter than my hens, but I suspect he has Marek's so he might not be 'feeling his oats'. His crows are soft - I can't hear him from inside the house.
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my pet chicken is awesome i spent the whole night reading everything on it :)
 

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