Im new to BYC

[69camaroowner]

Hi,
I am going to be raising up to four chickens beginning from the Spring. I have built a run which was previously used as a rabbit outdoor enclosure. I am building a chicken coop from discarded pallets and a wood crate. Not sure if I am starting from chicks. Barred, Orpingtons, or Rhode Island Reds are my choice and leaning towards Barred. Wanted Silkies initially but eggs to small. Any thoughts? Here are pics of run. I'll partially free range too.

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[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. Your run looks great. All three of those on your list are good breeds and you will get different opinions from different BYC members, but I personally like the Orpingtons the best of the three as they are very friendly and gentle birds which make great lap pets. They are good layers of brown eggs as well, particularly in very cold weather. Barred Rocks are generally docile and I like them as well. Rhode Island Reds are my least favorite on your list even though they are the best layers of the three. I and a number of other BYC members have had aggression issues with our RIRs at times, particularly with hatchery quality RIRs. Heritage RIRs bred by reputable breeders don't seem to have as many aggression issues as the hatchery RIRs. Other breeds you might want to consider that have a well deserved reputation for being calm and gentle (good lap pets) as well as good layers are Australorps (exceptional layers), Faverolles, Sussex, and Brahmas. Of course there can always be an exception with any breed. If you haven't done so already, definitely check out our Learning Center at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center. There is lots of useful information there. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Cheers.

 

[drumstick diva]

Glad you joined us at Backyard Chickens

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[NickyKnack]

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to joined the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC. Beautiful coop!

 

[69camaroowner]

Thanks to all for your comments

 

[N F C]

Your run looks good. Be sure to build your coop as large as you can so adding additional chickens will be possible at a later date (and most people do want to add more

).

Good luck with all your plans. Thanks for joining us!

 

[7littlegirls]

Hi welcome to BYC!

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks to all for your comments

You're welcome.

 

[69camaroowner]

Chicken coop from pallets almost done