Okay, so after researching All Things Chicken for the past year, our coop is under construction and our local feed store will have my breeds of choice in a couple weeks. So here's my dilemma. When I go to buy, how do I look in a pen of peeping adorableness and pick the few I'm taking home?
First, I want healthy ones. I know better than to choose one that's dischargey or listless, but are there any other less obvious symptoms to watch out for?
Also, I want ones that have a basically friendly disposition. I've selected breeds that are generally friendly, but I wonder if there's a way to avoid the crabby or timid chicks.
Our chickies will be family pets first, and egg-layers second, so happy and healthy are important to us.
Thanks!
--Nikki

First, I want healthy ones. I know better than to choose one that's dischargey or listless, but are there any other less obvious symptoms to watch out for?
Also, I want ones that have a basically friendly disposition. I've selected breeds that are generally friendly, but I wonder if there's a way to avoid the crabby or timid chicks.
Our chickies will be family pets first, and egg-layers second, so happy and healthy are important to us.
Thanks!
--Nikki