I just got DH to agree to a "few" more chicks...HOORAY!
I found out my local feed store is putting in a special order Mid-May, and I can add anything I want, in as small of quantities as I want.
My ideal flock size (at this point) is 10-12 hens, maybe a couple of banties, and 1 roo. We currently have 2 6 month old laying pullets, 3 (!) 6 month old cockerels, 2 of whom will soon be dinner, 3 12 week old pullets, and 3 banties that I strongly believe are all roos.
So after dinner is processed, we will basically have the makings of 5 hens and a roo, not counting the banties. DH said I can order 6-8 chicks through the feed store.
I am going for total diversity in the flock, trying to have each chicken be a different breed or color. Currently, we have a Australorp, Orpington, Barred Rock, and the other 2 girls are mutts, ha ha!
Should I order 1 each of 6 or 8 different breeds, or 2 each of 3 or 4 breeds? We have no problem eating extra roos, and I figure if one of the breeds end up a roo, that gives me a good excuse to get a few more next spring. Is there any reason that having 6 or 8 different breeds in the brooder together would be an issue? I'm not getting any banties this go around, so size shouldn't be a problem. Just making sure there's not a problem that I'm not aware of...thanks!
I found out my local feed store is putting in a special order Mid-May, and I can add anything I want, in as small of quantities as I want.
My ideal flock size (at this point) is 10-12 hens, maybe a couple of banties, and 1 roo. We currently have 2 6 month old laying pullets, 3 (!) 6 month old cockerels, 2 of whom will soon be dinner, 3 12 week old pullets, and 3 banties that I strongly believe are all roos.
So after dinner is processed, we will basically have the makings of 5 hens and a roo, not counting the banties. DH said I can order 6-8 chicks through the feed store.
I am going for total diversity in the flock, trying to have each chicken be a different breed or color. Currently, we have a Australorp, Orpington, Barred Rock, and the other 2 girls are mutts, ha ha!
Should I order 1 each of 6 or 8 different breeds, or 2 each of 3 or 4 breeds? We have no problem eating extra roos, and I figure if one of the breeds end up a roo, that gives me a good excuse to get a few more next spring. Is there any reason that having 6 or 8 different breeds in the brooder together would be an issue? I'm not getting any banties this go around, so size shouldn't be a problem. Just making sure there's not a problem that I'm not aware of...thanks!
