How do I know what breed is right for us?

[wolftracks]

Wow you got a lot of help since I left.

I skimmed through so don't know if it was mentioned, but you can put on add here on the site and check breeders in your area. Just thought I'd put that out there. So you could do a want to buy ad.

Also about roos. You do need to watch them around kids, but I'll tell you. Thank goodness we have never had a roo here attack a child and believe me there are a lot of kids and a lot of roos. My 5 yr old grand daughter lives with me and the roos are her favorites. When she wants to hold a chicken, she even passes on the chicks. She wants a roo. LOL I have a FBCM that pretty much has the run of the yard most times. Pierre is her favorite and the poor guy is toted around like a puppy. He's very good with her and everyone. I think my little Silver Ameraucana roo is going to be the same way. He follows me all over and he diesn't mind being picked up and drug around. Matter of fact even though I get on her for it, she'll fill up her wagon with birds. All the hens and pullets bail, but the roos just figure they're going to be put back in anyway, so they take rides around the yard.

OK that was my rooster pitch. LOL

 

[CupOJoe42]

I have put together and revised my chicken "wish list" numerous times already, and after having poured through countless books, hatchery catalogs, posts, and questions for chicken-lover friends, I am putting together a spreadsheet comparing chicken breeds. The spreadsheet includes everything from comb type and egg production to disposition. It's still a work in progress, but I would be happy to share if anyone is interested.

 

[Celtic Chick]

That is a wonderful idea! Are you going to post it on your BYC page?

 

[browneyedgirl77]

Quote:

That is too funny. My kids try to dress up our dogs, I can only imagine what they would do to the poor chickens

How do you post a want to buy ad? I posted in the florida section and mentioned I was looking for a local breeder. So far, I haven't heard anything. I definitely want to stick with a breeder. I learned that they are more selective with the breeding

 

[JerseyHen]

Here is a link to the BYC hatcheries list with links to them:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=189569

This is my first flock (4 weeks old), so I can't say who is the calmest, or friendliest, or quietest, or anything yet... we have 5 of each of the breeds I list in my sig line. So far, the barred rocks are the friendliest and one of the wellsummers, they fly onto me every time I walk by the brooder. The bhramas are really sweet, but I have to pick them up to get them to spend time with me. The sussex are curious so far, but do not jump in my hands at all. All are really cute though. The faverolles (which everyone says are so docile and friendly) don't really want me to get anywhere near them yet.

 

[browneyedgirl77]

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Excellent idea. Celtic Druid is right. I would definitely post it on your BYC page

 

[Celtic Chick]

Quote:

That is too funny. My kids try to dress up our dogs, I can only imagine what they would do to the poor chickens

How do you post a want to buy ad? I posted in the florida section and mentioned I was looking for a local breeder. So far, I haven't heard anything. I definitely want to stick with a breeder. I learned that they are more selective with the breeding

I found an article on Mother Earth News that has:
An online directory to help you search for the hatcheries nearest you with the breeds you want.
Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/happy-homesteader/better-way-to-pick-chicken-breeds-zb0z10zgri.aspx#ixzz1LFHHA6CN
Hope this helps!

 

[browneyedgirl77]

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Thanks for the info!!.... I think you are already finding out already. They seem to have personalities already! Keep me posted on how they are as they get older

 

[Minniechickmama]

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You are reinventing the wheel, dear. Go to the top to "Breeds" there is a listing there already you can refer to. It isn't all the breeds but a good portion of what you will find around the States.

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
You are reinventing the wheel, dear. Go to the top to "Breeds" there is a listing there already you can refer to. It isn't all the breeds but a good portion of what you will find around the States.

Plus, there is also Henderson's Handy Dandy Chicken Chart at http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html