One time I got all barred rock, and then they are difficult to tell apart, especially for children. But even for adults. When you are first getting started, it is a bit more fun if you can tell them apart, and then it is easier to see who is doing what. Who is in the nest, laying eggs, and who is not. I had a weasel get in and kill 14 of them in one night. Sad morning.
So if you are building, be sure and build the run, totally enclosed. It is amazing what a coon or weasel can get into. I would also suggest, if you live in cold country, that you build a sun porch outside. A place where they can be outside, but get out of the wind. It does not have to be real big, mine is about 5 feet long, and 2 feet high, and exposed on the south side. However with it, my birds only go inside the coop to lay eggs and sleep at night, which I think is healthier.
I have 8 chickens, started off with 10, lost one to a coon, when I had let them outside the run, and one to my son in laws hunting dog. With the eight, I have 4 Stars, two BA and 2 BO. I get 6-7 eggs a day, and that is more than enough for us.
I would recommend different breeds, cause then you can really get to know which breeds you like best. mk
So if you are building, be sure and build the run, totally enclosed. It is amazing what a coon or weasel can get into. I would also suggest, if you live in cold country, that you build a sun porch outside. A place where they can be outside, but get out of the wind. It does not have to be real big, mine is about 5 feet long, and 2 feet high, and exposed on the south side. However with it, my birds only go inside the coop to lay eggs and sleep at night, which I think is healthier.
I have 8 chickens, started off with 10, lost one to a coon, when I had let them outside the run, and one to my son in laws hunting dog. With the eight, I have 4 Stars, two BA and 2 BO. I get 6-7 eggs a day, and that is more than enough for us.
I would recommend different breeds, cause then you can really get to know which breeds you like best. mk
