Maine

[echosrevenge]

Having a mixed flock isn't generally an issue, but chickens are attracted to "differences", so it can help to select breeds that either all do or all don't have things like feathery feet, extra-large combs, muffs & beards, extra toes etc. Up until earlier this winter, I had two separate flocks - one of Salmon Faverolles and one mixed layer flock with orpingtons, wyandottes, red stars, and rocks. They free ranged together but went to different coops at night. A bit over a month ago, the mixed flocks' coop collapsed in the snow (it was a hand-me-down from the landlord, and pretty unimpressive at that...definitely on its' last leg when we got it) and we had to move them in with the Faverolles. None of the mixed birds have beards or muffs or feathery feet like the Faverolles, and over the last couple of weeks someone in the mixed flock has decided that the Faverolles need "some help with that thing on your face" and has started plucking out their beards and picking at the feathers on their feet. Apparently this can be fairly common when introducing different-looking birds in a flock...so it is something worth considering. Some muffed & bearded breeds, like the true Ameraucanas, are less docile than the Faverolles and will defend their face-feathers, but the Favs just sit there like "oh, thanks for the help..."

It can also be helpful to select breeds that are a similar size and temperament, so you don't end up with one particularly docile or small chicken getting shoved off the feed to a point where she suffers because of it, or with one giant bully hen who outweighs everyone else by double. All of that said, though, it is fun to start with mixed breeds - they all have such different personalities and it is nice to get some practice telling them apart before you have a huge pile of identical chickens!

 

[Gallina Sarda]

My chicks are due to hatch on Sunday Violet - just plain old RIR over RIR & PBRs. If I am successful (as this is my very first hatch) you are welcome to one or two to keep yours company. No strings attached, lol, you just need to pick it/them up. If you are interested we can keep in touch - either post here or pm me

Thanks anyway banana! I have been worried about it not eating and drinking, it just pecks at the food and water, not swallowing...but last night when I was scratching in its food it ran over and got right in and pecked wherever my finger was. It got all excited and was cheeping and trilling happily and started swallowing pieces. I dipped it's beak in the water and it started drinking like it was dying of thirst! I have never had to show a chick how to eat and drink before, but it has nobody. It was starting to act funny, but this morning it is acting like a normal active curious hungry chick. I still would like to find another one though, if anybody comes across this

About guineas, My mom had them, but she got them half grown and they would not stay home. They ran all over her neighborhood and turned up almost a mile away in one case. A couple got picked off and eventually she stopped seeing them or hearing about them from people in town. It was really sad. On the upside though, everyone in the neighborhood loved them! Nobody complained, people were feeding them and taking pictures of them. They really helped with the ticks. She learned that the trick with guineas is to raise them from chicks in the same place you want them to be when they grow up and then they will always come home. And they like to roost up high. Like in the trees and rafters. Some people build them their own coop way up on a pole or stand, or on top of their coop, or in the little hayloft door people have in barns and garages, and that works well. I saw them along the interstate betwern howland and lincoln alot one year. Not anywhere near anything! They are great but very different from chickens, you have to make things work for them. I love them.

 

[jerseychix]

I can't wait for the cold to go away either. I am waiting for it to warm up some so we can actually GET our chickens. Of course, I need to build a coop and fence in where they are going to go.

On guinea hens, yeah, they are good with the bugs, but I think the chickens are just as good. Seconding that they are dumb as rocks and loud! But people do love them, they are just really different from chickens.

 

[Dita Von Cluck]

Having a mixed flock isn't generally an issue, but chickens are attracted to "differences", so it can help to select breeds that either all do or all don't have things like feathery feet, extra-large combs, muffs & beards, extra toes etc.  Up until earlier this winter, I had two separate flocks - one of Salmon Faverolles and one mixed layer flock with orpingtons, wyandottes, red stars, and rocks.  They free ranged together but went to different coops at night.  A bit over a month ago, the mixed flocks' coop collapsed in the snow (it was a hand-me-down from the landlord, and pretty unimpressive at that...definitely on its' last leg when we got it) and we had to move them in with the Faverolles.  None of the mixed birds have beards or muffs or feathery feet like the Faverolles, and over the last couple of weeks someone in the mixed flock has decided that the Faverolles need "some help with that thing on your face" and has started plucking out their beards and picking at the feathers on their feet. Apparently this can be fairly common when introducing different-looking birds in a flock...so it is something worth considering.  Some muffed & bearded breeds, like the true Ameraucanas, are less docile than the Faverolles and will defend their face-feathers, but the Favs just sit there like "oh, thanks for the help..."  

It can also be helpful to select breeds that are a similar size and temperament, so you don't end up with one particularly docile or small chicken getting shoved off the feed to a point where she suffers because of it, or with one giant bully hen who outweighs everyone else by double.  All of that said, though, it is fun to start with mixed breeds - they all have such different personalities and it is nice to get some practice telling them apart before you have a huge pile of identical chickens!

That was very informative! Thank you.

 

[Widget]

I just had a job offer from NAPA Auto Parts working in the warehouse. Just have to pass the background check and drug test and I will once again be employed full-time with benefits. Money isn't what I was making at my other job but it is okay. And I can still work at the airport on my days off. And this means I can finally make plans for some new birds this spring.

 

[jerseychix]

congrats! I hope it works out really well!

 

[Widget]

Aww I'm sorry to hear about the strike! Lovely birds! I'm considering the Wyandotte & Orpington breeds. I love barred rocks....it was love at first sight! They're probably the ones who hooked me. How long have you had chickens? Did you buy them locally? How do the ducks and chickens get along?

I've had chickens for about four years. Had terrible luck with predators (mostly fox but also one bobcat) over the years. I think I have finally solved that problem. At least the fox wasn't able to get in the pen last fall and I haven't seen any signs of predators since.

I've got birds both locally and straight from hatcheries as well as hatched out some eggs. For locals I have gone through both Metcalf's in Cornish and Longhorn over in Buxton. I have also acquired birds from many on this list and through the Chickenstocks. I don't show my birds so I don't worry as much about meeting breed standards as I do overall health and temperament. But I will say those on this board who do concentrate on the standards have beautiful birds and you can't go wrong with getting birds from them.

The ducks are very messy but otherwise everyone gets along fine. I am planning on growing out some turkeys this year too so it will definitely be a mixed flock.

I'm right off Rt. 25 near the rapids. I also have three horses. Two who need some trail miles this upcoming summer if you like to ride.

 

[Mainechick168]

I just had a job offer from NAPA Auto Parts working in the warehouse. Just have to pass the background check and drug test and I will once again be employed full-time with benefits. Money isn't what I was making at my other job but it is okay. And I can still work at the airport on my days off. And this means I can finally make plans for some new birds this spring.

Yay Widget!

 

[Mainechick168]

Thank you!

I think I just might have to add barred rock to my wish list. I don't know if I should get all the same breed to start or if I should have a mixed group. Thoughts? I think I'd like to start of with 3 chickens. Seems like a good, manageable number!

3 sounds nice...I'll warn you though- We thought 6 would be a good number, and within weeks decided it was not enough and had to get 4 more!!

 

[Widget]

3 sounds nice...I'll warn you though- We thought 6 would be a good number, and within weeks decided it was not enough and had to get 4 more!!

Three in chicken math somehow ends up at 30 or more. So many interesting breeds that you end up liking and wanting. Then add ducks and turkeys to the mix. And every year the feed stores just have to get new chicks in and if you aren't careful some end up in the backseat of the car. Then you end up looking for a Chicken Addicts support group. They are great except I don't know anyone who has actually recovered. If anything the members enable one another and instead of 30 chickens you somehow end up with 60.