Need a Breed? There's an app for that!

[gryeyes]

OMG. I have been resisting an iPhone for ... like.... ever.... because the phone I use suits me just fine. This is the FIRST app that has ever sucked me right in, though.

When I'm free to upgrade, I'm getting a danged iPhone. And the first app will be THIS one. OMG.

Six bantams equal 3 LF, so that's not all that many chickens, is it? After all, I have 3 bantam roos to find homes for (maybe, maybe not, it's SO hard to divest myself of chickens I raised) so let's see.... *mumbling to self*

 

[bacres]

I bought it and it is awesome.

 

[Sweet Violet]

got it too! it is fun

 

[Poultry Enthusiast]

Hi,

It looks like there are now three breed selector apps out there for iPhone/iPads. The one from McMurray, one called Poultry Keeper and a new one from Mother Earth News (http://www.motherearthnews.com/happy-homesteader/chicken-breeds-with-pictures-zb0z10zgri.aspx). Any suggestions for which is best?

Thanks.

 

[Illia]

Murray McMurray? Oh this has to be seen. . . And will be a joke, sorry. You're talking about a hatchery who doesn't even know what Araucanas or Ameraucanas are, a hatchery who ruined what Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Orpingtons were supposed to be, and one who is likely to say Houdans are just an ornamental breed. . .

Not to crash the party, but if anyone is to make an app for selecting breeds, it should not be a hatchery, unless they want to fess up to how different their birds are to the actual breed types.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
It's just a breed selector. Not like they are selling SOP birds, just simply telling about the different breeds.

 

[Austin Peeps]

Quote:
Full Disclosure: I am the creator of Funny Farm Industries' Pickin' Chicken Breed Selector by Mother Earth News.

I think you have to decide what you need and what you like. We debuted Pickin' Chicken at the April 2010 Austin Funky Chicken Coop Tour and got feedback from alot of people then. The release came later b/c I work a full-time day job, was on a 3-month travel schedule, and had family matters to attend to. I want to thank BYC members who allowed me to use some of their photos in the app. They are credited in the app to note who provided the photos, when applicable.

To your question, I think a good way to decide is to review:

1) I think there is a link above in this thread to Murray McMurray's screenshots/app.

2) You can see screenshots of most of Pickin' Chicken's screens and find out "Why this app?" at: http://www.grit.com/feather-brained/Pickin-Chicken.aspx

3) The only place I'm aware of Poultry Keeper has information is in the App Store. You can see screenshots and reviews of this or any app in the App Store.

Keep in mind that "iPhone" apps run on iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches. iPod Touches don't require you to have cell phone service or subscribe to a cell phone carrier. Just pointing that out since we call them "iPhone" apps.

Hope this helps. Feel free to email me here or offline with any follow-up questions you may have.

Michelle

 

[roocrazy]

this is funny

 

[andalusn]

I am using Animal Diary app to track all my animals. One entry is called Chickens and I can pull it out of my pocket and quickly jot down something I want to remember regarding a specific hen etc. I can also make note if I put out say a flock block and monitor how its getting used up and by whom etc. It can also be used to take pictures and email ability.

I did download the chicken apps and while a list of birds and their specific description is okay but as I already have birds an app of just names, pics is not much use. If they added say a note ability to add health notes for your flock or schedule for deworming, dusting etc so is became helpful reminder or feed store list it would be of a more long term use to chicken owners.