- Jul 15, 2012
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Greetings to all!
My husband & I purchased our first chickens spring, 2012. Our Grandchildren suggested we get chickens so our place would be a 'real' farm (we already had horses, dogs, & cats.). We had raised guineas several years ago but had never owned chickens. We ordered 25 'Ornamental Layers' (supposed to be all pullets) as well as 10 Ameraucanas (straight run). We also ordered 6 Toulouse Geese (all girls) & some guineas. The Guineas arrived first, and they now have free run of our pasture. We lost one gosling the day of arrival, gave 3 away to a friend, and kept 2 - they have become the clowns of the barnyard! When the chicks arrived, we were amazed by how colorful they all were! Most of the Polish chicks died the first day - No idea why... One Polish survived, & we have slowly been figuring out what other breeds we have... Thus far we have identified black, partridge, & buff Cochins; golden & silver Campines (we suspect one is a rooster); Dominiques, 1 Wyandotte, & one we are still puzzling over. (We first thought she was a silver Campine, but we now realize her color is silver duckwing.). Her shape is also different from the Campines & we are not sure what breed she is. The remainder of the flock is Ameraucana in a variety of colors.
I discovered BYC while searching the Internet for chicken info & supplies. I look forward to learning more about the wonderful world of chickens!
My husband & I purchased our first chickens spring, 2012. Our Grandchildren suggested we get chickens so our place would be a 'real' farm (we already had horses, dogs, & cats.). We had raised guineas several years ago but had never owned chickens. We ordered 25 'Ornamental Layers' (supposed to be all pullets) as well as 10 Ameraucanas (straight run). We also ordered 6 Toulouse Geese (all girls) & some guineas. The Guineas arrived first, and they now have free run of our pasture. We lost one gosling the day of arrival, gave 3 away to a friend, and kept 2 - they have become the clowns of the barnyard! When the chicks arrived, we were amazed by how colorful they all were! Most of the Polish chicks died the first day - No idea why... One Polish survived, & we have slowly been figuring out what other breeds we have... Thus far we have identified black, partridge, & buff Cochins; golden & silver Campines (we suspect one is a rooster); Dominiques, 1 Wyandotte, & one we are still puzzling over. (We first thought she was a silver Campine, but we now realize her color is silver duckwing.). Her shape is also different from the Campines & we are not sure what breed she is. The remainder of the flock is Ameraucana in a variety of colors.
I discovered BYC while searching the Internet for chicken info & supplies. I look forward to learning more about the wonderful world of chickens!
from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. 
I hear that Polish might just not be as hardy as other breeds. At least you know your survivor is going to be strong as an adult bird! 
