Moving and Looking to Start With Chickens

[WV88]

Hello,
I am new to the forum, though I've read sever threads before I signed up. My family and I are preparing to move to Pensylvania and have made an offer on a place with seven acres. Growing up we always had chickens, but it's been awhile, and decide to come here for advise from time to time.

I am think of using a rotation paddock style system with a mobile coop to raise brahmas for eggs and meat. I haven't bought anything yet, but that is just what I am thinking for now.

Thanks in advance

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Welcome to BYC - so glad you've joined us.

Brahmas are an interesting choice for a dual purpose bird for the simple fact that, while large, they are a slow to mature breed and are not really prolific egg layers, so while they will produce both eggs and meat for you they are not an efficient choice. There are many, many breeds that fill the dual-purpose role, is there something in particular that appeals to you in the brahma?

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under WV88

Welcome!

How exciting! Best wishes on securing your new property and lifestyle.

I recommend a visit to the Learning Centre; lots of good tips there: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

and some great chicken tractor ideas here if you do not already have any: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-tractors-mobile-chicken-coop-designs

You might want to also pop in and say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[WV88]

Thanks for the all the advice. I am open to other breeds. I just want a heritage breed which is a decent meat bird and layer. I was leaning toward the brahmas because my wife liked the way the looked, but if you have better option I'm open to ideas.
Thanks again

 

[N F C]

Brahmas are nice looking birds, but if you have room, maybe you could try a mixed flock? That would give you the chance to compare breeds and figure out which works best for you. Since you're interested in heritage breeds, The Livestock Conservancy has some good information. They have a list of which breeds are more in threat of disappearing, a breed comparison chart, etc. Here's a link for checking with out:
https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/poultry-breeds

There's also an article in the Learning Center called "Pickin' the Right Frickin' Chicken" you might find helpful:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...cken-guide-to-picking-backyard-chicken-breeds

No matter what breed you end up with, have fun with them. Thanks for joining us!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, WV88, and

! Pleased you joined our flock! You've received some great links so I'll just say best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!