Howdy from Brazoria Co., southeastern Texas. I've been here off and on for over a year but just created an account.

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Bertie-Merle said:
I have three fat, happy and feisty Rhode Island Reds .... and three gorgeous "Easter Eggers", all raised together from 2-week chicks in late February of 2021.

My three mixed breed mutt Easter Eggers are each unique colors, reflected in their names of Tawny (a beautiful mix of warm cream/rust/greenish tones), Blanca being a light and deep creamy mix, and Blackie is a mahogany/iridescent red/black mix.

I visited tonight specifically to read advice on whether or not to use a coop warming pad tomorrow night, 12/22/2022, when we're anticipating a 20+ degree drop in temp within two hours down to the low 20's, which is unusually cold for the Gulf Coast. My girls just finished molting in the past two weeks and now seem to have nice and fluffy fresh feathers, so I think I'm going to give them a late treat of sunflower seeds and mealworms/insect snacks, hang the heating pad on low against the side of the coop where the ladder meets the entrance to the top story and brood box area and then just rely on fluffy deep shavings to keep the girls cozy with each other inside. (I'll check on them of course ... wish us well and I'll report back!)

My longer range "ask" for advice is this:

I have averaged, (based on my notes), 5 eggs/day from my six one+ year hens, usually 3 brown/2 blue, this year with my hens for their first full year of laying. That's plenty for my use, but I also like to share with neighbors and like to give a dozen or more to the food bank every week, so would like to increase my flock by a maximum of 4 pullets to a total of 10 hens around February. I think that is my comfortable limit for a healthy brood for my existing coop and covered extension run. I'm thinking a good choice would be adding two Barred Rocks because of their reported good nature, being good layers, their heartiness and lack of being bullies, (and yes, one of my R.I. Reds can be a be-atch). I am also thinking about rounding the additional four out with two Buff Orpingtons for similar reasons, as I understand they may have more longevity and that they may lay a few more eggs during the winter without subjecting them to artificial lighting, etc. that I don't really subscribe to doing.

To put it in a nutshell, I really want to gradually "round out" my flock more from being all the same age and same life expectancy, and I would really appreciate some good old time-tested advice on breed compatibility and how to proceed in spacing out and choosing the right additions for a well-rounded and healthy flock.

Thanks so very much in advance for any wisdom and good healthy practices y'all can share. I want to do things right, and asking for the sharing of experience and wisdom from those who know is where I think is the best place to start.

Oh .... and a Very Merry Christmas or Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate, and a very Happy and prosperous New Years to you and yours! ; -)
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Welcome to BYC!! Merry Christmas!
EEs are so full of personality!
I’ve had Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons before. They’re both very good breeds to have, and very sweet (along with good eggs and meat). I would say that BRs are just a little bit better than BOs (in my opinion), just so you know. :)
 
N F C said:
:welcome

Hello, I agree with the other greeters that supplemental heat isn't needed for your flock. As to adding additional flock members, here's an article I've referred to several time in the past that may be helpful to you: adding-to-your-flock.47756

Best wishes!
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Thank you very much for the article reference and advice. My plan was to obtain two to four 6-8 wk/o pullets around early February from a breeder near me in San Leon, Texas, SeaBreeze Hens, https://www.seabreezehens.com/

I was considering Bar Rocks, Buff Orpingtons and possibly Blue Wyandotte breeds.

I have a separate roofed run that I added to my coop with a door to separate the flock when needed, but it sounds like I may need to put together a separate coop altogether for the paddock around the corner of my home where they can free range separately for the transition. So many things to consider, but better to plan ahead and be cautious than the alternative!

Thanks very much for the information and links, and have a very Merry Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year!
 

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