new member question

[5parkers]

Hey everyone! I live south of Atlanta and have always wanted chickens. We live in a subdivision but I could possibly have the chicken coop in my backyard without my neighbors knowing. (My yard is pretty private with no house in the back. ) Anyway, I am wanting to "smuggle" some in. If I ask the association they will say no, so I was thinking about just doing it without anyone finding out. My friend has chickens and said the way to go is to get Buff Orpington chicks. I have been researching breeds and think they definately are what I want. What about silver laced wyandottes? Would they be okay to mix or should I just stick to one kind? They will all be in one coop, I was thinking around 4-5. I just want them for pets and eggs.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[Rooster01]

You can mix breeds of chicken. They will get a pecking order worked out and will live togather just fine. Wyandottes lay great and are great winter layers, but I guess since your in Atlanta that doesn't matter much. They are also pretty quiet and are calm.

 

[Pekin Hen]

Hello and welcome to BYC!!!!

I don't Know much about those you posted but i have Pekins( Chocins) and let me tell you, they are adorable, obedient, small and beautifull!

Annette.

 

[ThunderStruck]

Hi and Welcome

Chickens are very social and I think that no matter what breeds you mix together they will all do great. It also helps if they are all raised from chicks together as well. But over all i really dont think it matters much.

Forrest

 

[Southern28Chick]

I think it's great that you want chickens. BUT if you get chickens and your neighbors find out and they make you get rid of them.....it'll break your heart. It hasn't happened to me (and it never will) but if someone came to my house and said that my chickens have to go then I would be sad forever.

 

[wegotchickens]

Sometimes it's easier to beg for forgiveness then to ask for permission... But. Even if you have no roosters your girls will make a little noise.
Find out the zoning restrictions for your area and make sure it won't cost you a small fortune if you get busted by a mean neighbor.
Also, Buff Orpingtons are just the sweetest chickens. Ours are friendlier than our Silkies, and I was told Silkies are better pets!

I would go for it, but I'm a rebel. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

DH made me check with our neighbors first, since he's not a rebel

So I have no real worries now except for the new house being built behind ours next year.
I have back-up plans for what I'd do if it becomes an issue. You should do the same.

 

[chickonaroost]

Regarding the mixing of breeds....I am on my second chicken year and to experiment with different breeds I got one of each of the following breeds: 1 Buff O., 1 Rhode Island Red, 1 Plymoth Barred Rock, 1 production Red, 1 Silver laced polish, 1 white something, 1 Auracauna and 1 speckled sussex. The Polish runs around like a road-runner on crack-very nervous and funny. The white (something) is VERY loud and in fact woke me this morning squawking. The buff and RIR are very calm and they ALL get along well. Good luck!

 

[Canarygirl]

Once you get your chickens you wil be hooked forever. Our Buffs just had chicks yesterday, what a wonderful experience. I would say NOT to get a rooster, we had to get rid of ours cause it crowed all day long. We live in the country and still the neighbors complained. Buffs are the calmest and lay the best yet that we have found to date. Were big buff orpington fans here !!

 

[joebwe25]

Same here! I have one buff orpington and she is the friendliest of the flock.
She and my other three are ALWAYS squawking at each other over the nest box.
I agree with Canarygirl. You should NOT get a rooster.
They crow a lot and mate with everybody, and the hens make more.
We live in the city and used to have a rooster.The neighbors didn't mind but he was to loud!

Welcome to the BYC Forum!

Joe

 

[MissPrissy]

I love buff orpingtons. You will have a great time with your small flock girls.