Need Advice

[ag92]

First I'm new to BYC and want to say howdy. I live in West Texas and summer days are very often 95-110 degrees. Very little humidity. We do get some cold weather 20-30 degrees each winter. I'm looking at getting some chicks for egg production for family and friends. They will be kept in a 16x16 run most of the time, but they will be allowed out on occasion to roam over several acres. I also have 2 boys, so they will have to be tolerant of "my boys". What i'm looking at getting are: 4 barred rocks, 4 EE's, 3 speckled sussexs, 3 welsummers, and 2 red sex links. How does this flock look? Will they get along with each other? Will they be ok in my climate? Thanks.

 

[Michael OShay]

My wife and I were raised in the great state of Texas. As far as your temperatures go, those breeds will all handle them although you need to be sure and provide plenty of shade and cool, fresh water for them in the summer. I've had all of those breeds at one time or another over the years and they are generally docile although there can always be exceptions. I've never had an aggressive Speckled Sussex and my children had no problem making lap pets of them. Barred Rocks are generally friendly although occasionally I had an aggressive one. EEs are typically docile although they can frequently be a bit standoffish. Our EEs tolerated being handled, but they almost never really like it. Welsummers and Red Sex Links are usually docile, but can occasionally be aggressive. Instead of Red Sex Links, you might want to consider getting Black Sex Links. Both Sex Link varieties are egg laying machines, but my Blacks have been friendlier than my Reds, and have actually been slightly better layers in really cold, winter weather. Another breed worth considering are Black Australorps. They are extremely hardy. I've raised them where summer temperatures frequently reached 117-118 F (occasionally more) and while my other dual purpose breeds were listless, panting, and had a drop off in egg production, my Black Australorps went about their business as usual. I've also raised them where winter temperatures dropped to 30 F below zero, and with a draft free, dry, well ventilated coop to prevent moisture from building up, they did just fine. In addition Australorps are calm and gentle (my children and granddaughter made lap pets of them), and excellent layers of large, brown eggs. Whatever breeds you end up getting, good luck with your flock.

 

[ag92]

I appreciate the info about the sex links. I originally wanted australorps, but Cackle Hatchery, where I'm ordering from, is out. It's not necessary for all the hens to be lap pets as long as some are. It's more important to me that they get along with each other and lay reliably. Thanks again.

 

[Michael OShay]

I appreciate the info about the sex links. I originally wanted australorps, but Cackle Hatchery, where I'm ordering from, is out. It's not necessary for all the hens to be lap pets as long as some are. It's more important to me that they get along with each other and lay reliably. Thanks again.

You're welcome.