New Member from Mn

[Kolbeslayadayinn]

Hi

I'm Alison and have joined to learn more about chickens and hopefully get some good advice.

We live in Northern MN and currently do not have chickens.

I've personally never had chickens, but my dad has from the time I was born. Majority being RIR, Leghorns and barnyard mixes. Throughout my childhood the farm chores were basically making sure they were fed before and after school. At 18 I went in to the Navy, traveled the world and settled in California where I never had the space to own chickens.

Now I'm north of 50, have moved back to MN and want to start my own flock.

We are rebuilding a 6x10 with a huge covered run and access to a very large fenced (raised bed) garden. I'm well aware of predators in our area and precautions are being taken.

I do have a deposit down for BCMs but am very, very interested in a few other breeds.

Blue Isbars (I have concerns about small gene pool)
Silver Penciled Plymouth
Barred Plymouth Rocks
Welsummer
And Barnevelders

Not interested in breeding per se, but would want to not crossbreed

Thoughts on breeds? What would you choose and why?


Thank you Alison

 

[N F C]

Hello, since you've not had a flock of your own yet, why not get a mix of breeds and then decide which you prefer? I always enjoyed a mix myself...various egg colors, different feather shades, some different types of behavior, etc.

 

[Jenbirdee]

hi Alison! welcome to BYC! I don’t have any advice on chicken breeds, but if you decide to get ducks, I’ll throw in my $.02.
welcome to BYC!

 

[sourland]

Hello, Alison, and welcome to BYC. Good luck in establishing your flock.

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi Alison

Welcome!

 

[Kolbeslayadayinn]

Hello, since you've not had a flock of your own yet, why not get a mix of breeds and then decide which you prefer? I always enjoyed a mix myself...various egg colors, different feather shades, some different types of behavior, etc.

That has been a thought as well

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Alison, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I'd choose one of each because I like variety.

 

[Kolbeslayadayinn]

hi Alison! welcome to BYC! I don’t have any advice on chicken breeds, but if you decide to get ducks, I’ll throw in my $.02.
welcome to BYC!

My dad raised Cayugas, Call Duck, Welsh Harlequins and Khaki Cambells.

He prefers them over chickens and really, really wants me to get ducks .

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

I have kept just one breed and I can tell you, it's boring! Definitely get a variety of breeds and colors, way more fun!

Welcome to our community!

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Plans. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!