I'm a beginner. And I mean BEGINNER!

[katrinag]

I would also start out with babies. My buff brahams are by far more loving then the rest of my chickens.

 

[Guitartists]

Just get one of EVERYTHING!

 

[phalenbeck]

When you get them be shure your coop/tractor is safe from preditors that have small hand tools. I lost my first sex-linked girls (really nice birds) in a raccoon break-in. Go to your proposed coop, imagine claws, or smart monkeys with hand tools trying to break in. Then make it 4 time bigger, as you will want more. My new batch ----Silkeys are pretty but just not that interesting (but calm and quiet), my polish are interesting and pretty, and active. My easter-egger is big and dependable and friendly, my Orington is missing--was a nice bird too. I like to think she went to Ashville to explore her sexuality, but a hawk is more likely ----my duck-winged old english somithing rooster has not shut up till today (it is cold) but his mate is a nice quiet bird. -----I went with pretty in my selection and that seems to hurt production. I am too new to say even what I have said so far, but some hatcherys have a selection tool baised on climate and your needs. Check a local feed store to get, and support local business. That is where I got the sex-linked and the duck-winged old english. Doing it over considering cost and personality the sex-linked local chickens were the best of the bunch.

 

[juliechick]

Quote:

I know what you meant, but I can't help picturing that raccoon using his little screwdriver to break into the coop!

 

[TaLani]

Quote:
That's why I have so many breeds. I wanted to try out several to see which I'd like the best. So far, I love our BO's and Black Australorps because they're the most friendly and quiet.

 

[misspoppins]

Haha, thanks for all the advice!

Buff Orpingtons are seeming to be the popular pick. What are their eggs like? Big? Small? Brown? White? Do they lay alot?

Thanks for all your help and welcomes <3

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Here's some information about Orpingtons. They are big, fat friendly chickens. Maybe you live by a BYCer who will sell you some of the blue Orpingtons. Those are beautiful.

By a BYC member: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Buff_Orpingtons
http://www.mypetchicken.com/Orpington-B80.aspx

 

[misspoppins]

I was reserching Buff Orpingtons after I read what y'all have been saying about them. Are they all that beautiful orange/brown color? I just love it!

 

[FractalFarmer]

BO's are so nice! They lay a large purple-brown egg, and they lay A LOT! They're a golden-brown color, and they're fluffy

 

[newchickmom]

I have only been raising chickens for about 1 1/2 years now. I researched a lot before deciding on the breeds I want also.
My choices were: Black Australorps, Buff Orphingtons, Delawares, and Welsemers.
Right now we have the Australorps and the BOs. In the spring I am ordering the Delawares.
I chose mine for dual-purpose and disposition so my grandchildren can be around them.