Idaho?

[StarOnFire59]

Looking for anyone from the CDA, Spokane, Post Falls area! If anyone is selling pullets around here, let me know!

Hi everyone! I’m planning to expand my flock and would love some advice on numbers and breed choices. Right now I have 5 hens (a Dark Brahma, two Orpingtons, an Easter Egger, and an Olive Egger). My main goals are calm, docile birds that are good layers, kid-friendly, and not big escape artists — and of course, plenty of eggs. I’m leaning toward heavier dual-purpose type breeds but I’m open to suggestions.

I need about 15 laying hens minimum to supply my family with eggs, but I’d ideally like to end up with around 18 hens total as a buffer. Because of that, I’m thinking of buying around 13 pullets this spring. Right now my plan is something like 4 Australorps, 3 Sussex, 2 Orpingtons, 2 Marans, and 2 Brahmas (I really love Brahmas). I live in North Idaho, so we get all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. I’m also expanding my run and coop, so space won’t be an issue.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? Does anyone have experience keeping these breeds together, or suggestions for tweaks?

Sorry, Treasure Valley here. I get mine on Hen Day from Dunlap's in Caldwell. They are all hens @ 10-11 months old. Takes awhile for them to warm up to you, but most do.