New Flock - Breed input pls

[Coralista]

Hi,

If this isn't the correct place to post this, please let me know!

New house with space for chickens, so I'm getting chicks in a month. I'm in the Oregon. I've got to kids age 7 and almost 4.

I have on reserve at the feed store:

• 2 - Copper black maran
• 2 - Brown ISA
• 1 - Lavendar Buff

Then from MM I was going to order qty 2 of the Whiting True Blue 4 week old females. Question, has anyone over ordered just 2 of the 4-6 week old chicks from MM? I'm debating just paying more, and getting one less brown ISA from the fed store, and one more from MM so there is more heat for them in shipping.

So, does this flock mix look good for back yard chickens? For Kids? It has been 15 years since I've had chickens, I want to have a good mix of friendly ones for the kids. What are the thoughts on ordering from MM? Safe with two, or should I order three chicks? Has anyone on the west coast ordered the 4-6 weeks chicks, did it work out okay?

Thank you in advance!

 

[nuthatched]

What's the breed of the "lavender buff"? Lavender and buff are both colors, but I'd bet it's an orpington, but in most places, orpingtons aren't sexable at hatch so you might get a rooster.
Where does your feed store get their chicks? If it's a poor quality hatchery like hoovers, you might want to skip the feed store chicks entirely .
All the breeds you listed are friendly enough, they probably won't seek being petted, that's up to the individual chicken.
Don't let your kids carry them around or let them ride on your shoulders, it can create problems later.
I've ordered started Pullets before, they were always skittish. I'd personally prefer to order chicks from one place, since mixing chicks could spread diseases, I'd order all of them from Murray McMurray.

 

[Percheron chick]

Shipping on the pullets should run $50 each. Makes for some expensive eggs. I would just add some feed store Easter eggers for some blue or green eggs.

 

[Coralista]

What's the breed of the "lavender buff"? Lavender and buff are both colors, but I'd bet it's an orpington, but in most places, orpingtons aren't sexable at hatch so you might get a rooster.
Where does your feed store get their chicks? If it's a poor quality hatchery like hoovers, you might want to skip the feed store chicks entirely .
All the breeds you listed are friendly enough, they probably won't seek being petted, that's up to the individual chicken.
Don't let your kids carry them around or let them ride on your shoulders, it can create problems later.
I've ordered started Pullets before, they were always skittish. I'd personally prefer to order chicks from one place, since mixing chicks could spread diseases, I'd order all of them from Murray McMurray.

Sorry, not enough coffee. I meant a Lavender Orpington.

The feed store isn't what I'd call your standard with 4-6 breeds, they have a whole wing of the store that is turned into chick space in the spring, all breeds are separated. It is a good idea to call and ask where they are getting their chicks, but I know it is from couple different places, they have to with the veriaties offered. https://burnsfeed.com/baby-chicks-portland-gresham/#toggle-id-31-closed

I personally in past years have never had issue with disease from them, so I think I'll keep rolling the dice until I do have an issue.

No, no chickens on shoulders, hard pass.

I'm really interested in the Whiting True Blues, and unforently MM doesn't offer all the breeds I'm looking for, hence why I'm looking to two different sources. I think I'll give the feed store a call and ask what vaccination they ask for before shipping their chicks.

#daylightsavingssucks

 

[Coralista]

Shipping on the pullets should run $50 each. Makes for some expensive eggs. I would just add some feed store Easter eggers for some blue or green eggs.

LOL, I know. I guess I'm having a Martha egg fantasy moment, I've had easter eggers in the past, and wondering if the True Blues are that much different. I've been working from home for a year straight, all plans canceled, and while overpriced and eye rolls from the husband, feel like this may be a good way to scratch the 'something slightly ridiculous' itch.

 

[Coralista]

I guess my other option is order 6 Whiting True Blue day old chicks, ship them, and then find new homes for the ones I don't need.

I guess my thought was day olds vs 4 week old was the trip from MM to
Oregon being so long, and 4 week olds being stronger.

 

[Onyxflock]

Hi,

If this isn't the correct place to post this, please let me know!

New house with space for chickens, so I'm getting chicks in a month. I'm in the Oregon. I've got to kids age 7 and almost 4.

I have on reserve at the feed store:

• 2 - Copper black maran
• 2 - Brown ISA
• 1 - Lavendar Buff

Then from MM I was going to order qty 2 of the Whiting True Blue 4 week old females. Question, has anyone over ordered just 2 of the 4-6 week old chicks from MM? I'm debating just paying more, and getting one less brown ISA from the fed store, and one more from MM so there is more heat for them in shipping.

So, does this flock mix look good for back yard chickens? For Kids? It has been 15 years since I've had chickens, I want to have a good mix of friendly ones for the kids. What are the thoughts on ordering from MM? Safe with two, or should I order three chicks? Has anyone on the west coast ordered the 4-6 weeks chicks, did it work out okay?

Thank you in advance!

I agree with nuthatched - my first 3 chickens were 4 weeks from them feed store. They were skittish from them start and have never warmed up to me after 1 1/2 years. The 2 chicks I raised will squat to be petted or picked up. If you want older birds don't expect those to cuddle

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I got my ladies last year from MM, buff orpington, light brahma and Whiting true blue. They are all beautiful and healthy. There seems to be a lot of problems within feed store chics this year so I've personally decided to skip buying them from there. I have 3 more chics coming from Meyers at the end of April.

 

[Percheron chick]

I've never had a problem selling extra pullets. Raise them until they are off heat and they will pay for the chicks you keep.

 

[Mrs. K]

Know that any rooster chick will be the darling, and so friendly. KNOW also, that this can change, and I would not recommend a rooster with kids under the age of 6. An aggressive bird, tend to attack children at the head/face level.

Have a plan, cause even with good sexing, it is not 100%.

Mrs K