New flock

[am-nor]

I am in the process of research what breed I would like to have in my flock. Leaning towards 2 Orpingtons, 2 Wellsummers and to Australops. Thinking maybe I should stick to two breeds. Any oppions on if I should cut out either the wellies or the Austlops? Also I can get chicks unsorted how many of each should I buy to håpefulle end up with 5-6 hens? Can I have small chick of Orpingtons and Wellis to go with 9 week old australops? They come from a different place the australops.

 

[Michael OShay]

I've had all three of those breeds over the years, and if you are not going with all three breeds, then which two breeds you should go with depends on what your objectives are with your hens. If egg production is a priority, then I would not cut out the Australorps as they are the best layers of the three breeds. If you love beautifully colored eggs, then I would not cut out the Welsummers as their chocolate eggs (at least in my personal opinion) are the prettiest eggs in the chicken world. If you want calm and gentle birds then I would keep the Orpingtons and Australorps which are easily made into lap pets. Depending on where you live, the climate could also play a factor in your decision. All three breeds are very cold hardy, but Australorps are more heat hardy than the other two breeds. Whatever breeds you keep, you need to make sure that they are approximately the same age and size or the smaller ones will be bullied, perhaps even fatally by the larger ones. Whatever breeds you decide to go with, good luck with your flock.

 

[am-nor]

My chicks moved into my new coop today. They are Wyandotte. Not my first choice but they were easiest to get a hold of. Hope it was a good choice. They are 3 weeks old. When will I be able to sex them?