Need some help deciding Stat!

[AyeUpChuck]

Ok so! I need help deciding on how to manage my flock! I've made a huge newbie mistake.

I got super shiny and ordered a few of every pretty bird I could. Now I'm feeling like I may have made a poor decision. I've recently acquired 12 gorgeous Blue Copper and Splash Marans.

I also have three Black Copper Marans birds as well. Then there are 3 Welsummers, 3 Buff Brahma, 3 Partridge Chantecler, 2 SLW, 2 GLW, 4 Speckled Sussex and 3 Olive Eggers - BCMxAmeracauna. I also have 4 giant cochins I'm getting at a swap in 2 wks.

I know that I have to make the final decision but would really love ANY guidance in what I should possibly do. I guess I should also mention that I can't have more than 30 birds...... or I'll just be hearing

Thanks in advance!

 

[TigerLilly]

You're only over by 9, if I counted correctly. WHO says you're only allowed 30...spouse...community by-laws...county govt?
If you really cant keep the extras, put on your thinking cap & decide which to get rid of. If you cant bear the thought of getting rid of ANY of the breeds, get rid of 1 of each until you're down to the accepted 30. An ad in the paper or on your local Craigslist will work wonders. In the off chance that it doesnt, give them away.
Personally, I'd try my best to keep them all...

 

[AyeUpChuck]

Yeah......It's DH. He said ABSOLUTELY no more than 24! I said

Fine! 30 is the limit!

 

[AyeUpChuck]

39 isn't THAT many more right.......

 

[BorderKelpie]

You know, since there are a few of each, just tell him you only have 24 or 30 but he must be counting the same ones over again since they don't stand still for inventory purposes.

(That's sort of how I keep a slightly more than the legal limit on dogs, I keep them in matching sets and let them outside in shifts....

I look like I only have 1/2 as many as I do.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

What I like to do is take into account what my DH's favorites are.

Secondly, I decide what I want my egg basket to look like. How many green eggs, how many dark brown, etc.

Then I sell everyone else at auction.

I have cycled through many breeds, as I figured out there are many breeds that fly away or otherwise don't get along with my expectations in the behavior category (they are aggressive).

 

[macdoogle2]

I know how you feel. I'm over the limit my space allows as well . I just wanted some of EVERYTHING. I am learning that less is more. I like to have a colorful egg basket. So I'm keeping a few 2-3 of each hen that lays a different colored egg. That works for me.

 

[deserthens]

Not to be negative...but how old are these birds? Are you sure they will all make it to laying age? I do like the idea of choosing the hens to keep based on the color of the egg! I would also recommend you watch their behavior and try to thin out those that do not "play nice" with the other members of the flock. And keep the friendlier easier to manage birds.

 

[AyeUpChuck]

Quote:
Well....most are 6-10 wks in age. I'm not sure at what point you're really safe. The only newbies I have are from really high quality breeder stock. They're the ones that have thrown me for the loop! I originally thought it would be nice to just have a bunch of great looking birds strutting. I'm a chef so having too many eggs is NEVER a problem! I'm also an artist so I've been thinking more of egg color now to use blown eggs for projects and I want dual purpose LF as culls will go to the freezer in the sky

Now that I have these Marans who're from really great strong lines..... I've been thinking about having Ameracaunas or EEs and the Marans so I can have a really colorful basket! I just feel attached to the other's as it's my first flock! I think I may just try and rehome a few and enjoy a mixed flock for my first year! Get to know all their personalities!

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:
Too funny

same exact same deal I made w/my DH