My First Chickens

[Lancr19]

Hello, I just bought these two chicks today and so I am new to the forum. These are supposedly pure breed Ameraucana chickens from teal colored eggs. I picked out some of the lighter colored chicks of the bunch. They said the roosters are both Blue Wheaton and one of them was the champion in 2010 Fancy Feather 4-H show in New Braunfels.

So, do you think that these are what they said they are? Are they a good choice for first chickens? Can you tell if they are male for female?

 

[math ace]

Any chick is a good chick for a first timer. They all need the same care. You will just find that you like some breed personalities better than others. You probably have another 3 - 4 weeks before you will be able to tell if those little ones are girls or boys. It will be the LONGEST 4 weeks of your life.

 

[Lancr19]

And which breeds do you find to have a good personality? Are there any breeds that are less likely to bite, peck, or scratch?

 

[jossanne]

I've not had purebred Ameraucanas, but I've heard only good about them. I have Easter eggers (what the hatcheries call Ameraucanas), and I love their personalities. They are calm and sweet, and never cause any problems. They lay lots of eggs.

I hope the chicks are what they say they are. I have no idea. They sure are darling.

So happy to have you here at BYC. Be careful... chickens are addictive. Two is not enough.

 

[Silkiefan]

from Eastern Oregon
and I agree with the lady that said "two is not enough" chickens are AWESOME - they're fun to watch, fun to feed, and they make eggs for you... but two may not be enough for serious reasons too... just in case you get a roo and because of city ordinances stating you cannot have a rooster in your neighborhood, and also if something ( god forbid ) should happen to one of your chickens leaving you with one... well, it really is proper justification to get more. I'd start out with at least 4 because odds are you'll get a boy...
Heh heh heh... I keep adding to my flock with this in mind... they are addictive...

 

[Illia]

from Washington

Well, Ameraucanas are a GREAT breed but those aren't Ameraucanas. . . The one on the right has green legs, and both are not Blue Wheatens or even Wheatens. Pretty sure those are Easter Eggers (crossbred) It is very common for people to think they have Ameraucanas, and even "show them" - And still have Easter Eggers.

Still, they'll be good chickens and will lay "colored eggs" (Ameraucanas should technically only lay blue eggs)

As for sex, if they're a standard Easter Egger color of Wheaten / BBR like they seem to be, then both are likely cockerels.

 

[Mahonri]

Yes, they are easter eggers.

BLUE WHEATENS/ WHEATENS as chicks

 

[math ace]

Lancr19 - - -

Roos are where the chance of injury (attack) come from. The females should not hurt you on purpose . . . ..

That being said, even a female will scratch you if not held properly. They have LONG SHARP toe nails and do not mean to harm you, but it will happen if they are not held properly.

BITING - - - they don't have teeth so it is not a real bite. They may pinch / bite you just to taste you. Mine get so excited at the thought that I have a special treat for them that when I put my hand down for them to eat out of ( yes gentle enough to hand feed) they start biting right away. Their mouth serves as their hands - - - like a two year old child - - everything has to go in the mouth to be checked out.

No one will walk up to you and peck you on purpose unless it is a roo. Some roos can be nasty mean !

Oh my the way, you may start with two chicks - - but it won't end there. It is a very addictive hobby. Those little fluddy butts are just too much to say NO to.

 

[Supermommy486]

I'd have to agree, they look just like my Easter Eggers.


But it's ok, I love mine! They are very curious and fun to watch.

 

[CA_Banana_Farmer]

great chicks. Im real new here. I have not even got my coop up yet. Im thinking of getting some silkies. I want somthing small and nice. Im lost of knowing what to get. Good luck with yours
Greg
California