My first flock - how's this list sound?

[FollowingMyNose]

they'reHISchickens :

One thing I'd like to say before you place your order: Those chickens had better not ever win! You are the boss and the mom. Act like it!
And you will be a wonderful mom

Gotcha!! You are right. I AM the Mom!!

 

[FollowingMyNose]

Quote:
Eggs are the top priority, and I did look at the leghorn, but ruled them out because they seem (according to what I have read) to be a noisy breed, and i don't want the neighbors to start complaining. But if we ever move to a real farm, I'll try some of them for sure!

 

[gvntofly05]

Quote:
Just to let you know that all hatcheries list having Ameraucanas but they are Easter Eggers. If you want true Ameraucanas you have to get them from a breeder.

 

[FortWorthChicks]

If you look at the listing for Ameracaunas on the IDEAL website it says they are also known as Easter Eggers

 

[kipper]

Interesting list, I like variety too.

I hate to tell you this, but they will make a certain amount of noise. Of the breeds on your list, I have Delawares, Black Jersey Giants, and EEs. The pullets of the three breeds are nice, but the EEs get picked on a little. Our Delaware roo is a mean SOB, our JG roo is nice.

We ordered 25 pullets from Welp, go 23 Pullets and 2 roos. That is about what is to be expected. I would avoid roos in a subdivision. Even our hen's egg songs are LOUD. We live on 3 acres and all our neighbors can hear them. We give them eggs to pacify them.

Our qietest breeds are the JGs, EEs, and Cochins. Our Welsummers crank out the most amazing colored eggs but can be loud and crabby. The Delaware hens are noisy when they lay.

Yes, I am addicted.

 

[phalenbeck]

My best layer, cold tolorant, sweet, calm is a EE. I have a few brands, and the EE is not the prettest, but overall the best.

 

[FollowingMyNose]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate all the feedback! I have another post in the breeders and hatchery section so I am going to see if I can pull together all the info and get an order together!

I think my neighbors will be OK with a little noise, but you are right kipper - roos are out of the question. And if I have to, I can share some eggs. I was talking with one neighbor today, and shortly after I mentioned the chickens again, she asked if they attract rats. Do they? Never heard of that.

And my mother started telling me of the horrors of mites. So I did a little reading on that and it seems like an issue that is controllable.

With our allocated space of 400 square feet (that is a conservative estimate) for the coop and run, I am starting to wonder if 12 chicks is too many. The run area is about half shade and half sun, with a couple of large pine trees in the area. Not a lot of vegetation. I would love to get 12, but only if they birds are going to be happy and healthy in that space.

And thanks for the clarification on the EEs!