New here and to chickens, excited to join and learn more about our feathered friends!

[Happyhennies]

I still try to handle them as often as I can. I always feed them their mealworms and BSFL by hand before sprinkling around for them to peck. I've got them trained to where they like to sit on my hand as I walk around with them, like real birds. They are among the best layers and fastest to do so from hatching. I didn't think it was really possible at 4 months as I've seen in my research, but now I can confirm that that is absolutely true. They really are amazing girls!

Wow sounds really good! This took my interest a lot higher towards the breed and I also think they are so cute with their floppy combs!! You think it matters where you get your chicks from?

 

[Happyhennies]

I still try to handle them as often as I can. I always feed them their mealworms and BSFL by hand before sprinkling around for them to peck. I've got them trained to where they like to sit on my hand as I walk around with them, like real birds. They are among the best layers and fastest to do so from hatching. I didn't think it was really possible at 4 months as I've seen in my research, but now I can confirm that that is absolutely true. They really are amazing girls!

Oh do you mind sending a pic of your birds? I would enjoy seing them!

 

[Happyhennies]

@Happyhennies your flock is adorable!

Thank you!!

 

[Happyhennies]

My roosters - I have 3, eat a lot less than my hens. I think roosters are so awesome.

Wow, what roosters do you have?

 

[Happyhennies]

We have a dozen or more roosters free ranging all of the time. We walk through them and they pay us no mind. We have one main original boy that is most protective of the girls and us. His biggest problem is being underfoot all the time.

Good to hear about your roosters! My other concern would be like never ending multiplying but I guess if you don’t let your hens sit on the eggs it won’t happen! But then I would feel bad for the hens they can’t do what they naturally would like to…

 

[Nomadicus]

Good to hear about your roosters! My other concern would be like never ending multiplying but I guess if you don’t let your hens sit on the eggs it won’t happen! But then I would feel bad for the hens they can’t do what they naturally would like to…

You control the number of eggs they sit on. Don't give them but 3-4 real eggs and a few plastic eggs. They will be thrilled with just 2-4 chicks to mama around.

 

[BockBockChick]

Wow sounds really good! This took my interest a lot higher towards the breed and I also think they are so cute with their floppy combs!! You think it matters where you get your chicks from?

As far as their eventual disposition (friendliness), I don't think it matters where you get them, as long as you interact with them and handle them regularly. Healthwise, yes, it matters where they come from, as I'm sure you already know. I've seen the McMurray's is good, but I don't know many breeders.

 

[Happyhennies]

Good to hear about your roosters! My other concern would be like never ending multiplying but I guess if you don’t let your hens sit on the eggs it won’t happen! But then I would feel bad for the hens they can’t do what they naturally would like to…

…But I guess you can’t the broodies do it anyways (unless you want chicks) if you ever want more eggs!

 

[BockBockChick]

Oh do you mind sending a pic of your birds? I would enjoy seing them!

I'll try to take some pics tomorrow. I have chick pics, but not of them as hens.

 

[Happyhennies]

You control the number of eggs they sit on. Don't give them but 3-4 real eggs and a few plastic eggs. They will be thrilled with just 2-4 chicks to mama around.

Okay!