Need a recommendation!

[team_realtree]

Im looking to start my first flock. Would you guys recommend me buying a rooster and hen and breeding them for eggs, purchasing fertile eggs, or buying hatched chicks? Thanks!

 

[lurky]

buy hatched chicks. One rooster should have 10+ hens. If there is only one or 2 he will wear the feathers off and hurt her/them. You might also look for a flock on craigslist. I have seen a few for sale in my area. If you want hens already producing, that might be the way to go.
Good Luck whatever you choose

 

[Mahonri]

Get either day old chicks or buy 5 or 6 pullets at point of lay.

 

[TexasVet]

It all depends... it'll cost you more to buy fertile eggs and an incubator than it would to purchase chicks from a hatchery. And hatchery chicks are sexed; hatched eggs are gonna' be 50% roosters, which means you'll have to cull a bunch of them.

On the other hand, if you don't mind a high percentage of roos, and you enjoy hatching eggs, then go for it.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com, www.PivotalForce.com

 

[team_realtree]

thanks that was what I was leaning towards to(buying chicks) How do i get the chicks home in the brooder if it has to be at 90-100 degrees though? If it is a good 1 or 2 hour drive from where I pick them up can it be harmful for them to be in a 75-80 degree car without a lamp?

 

[lurky]

Quote:
Where are you located? Do you already have a source for chicks, or were you just asking 'just in case' ? You might find some closer to you on here. But i think they would be ok if you kept them draft free in those temps.

 

[team_realtree]

No i have found a so called "reputable" breeder that I think i want to go with. Thanks for your opinion. Ive never handled chicks in a brooder and wasn't sure how much a temperature change can affect them.

 

[rstampa]

Hi,
I live in the city limits and can only have a few chickens. But I wanted new borns. That way you will always be their mommy. You can get as few as 3 chicks ship to you. You can choose from a wide range of breeds. I choosed all good egg layers and they are quit beautiful.
You can buy all hens or roosters whick are sexed at the hatchery or runs (MIX unsexed).
I purchased my chicks from "mypetchicken.com" If you need to call for any reason they are knowlegable an most friendly.
I purchased 5 different breeds one of each. I hope I didn't over endulge myself. I didn't what any roosters. God Forbid! They are nasty and loud. You don't want your neighbors calling the cops. That is if you have close neighbors. If you plan on breading them that's a whole different ball of wax
Also my city doesn't allow roosters.
I hope this helps.

 

[team_realtree]

doesn't look like they ship to canada thanks anyways