new to backyard chickens, who should start my coop?

[bawkchoy]

Hi Al! I have few options to start my flock, I have the option of acouple of egg laying hens (24) months old (rhode island reds) that are already laying, or barred rock or silver wyandotte pullets. I am in an area where a lot of live stock isn't avaialbe. The chickens will mostly be pets or friends but we are looking forward to the eggs! Thanks so much for your opinions! I'm so excited to get my flock going! bawk bawkkkkkk!

 

[bobbi-j]

I'd start with the pullets as they will lay for you for a longer time.

 

[bawkchoy]

Thanks! My options are silver laced wyandottes, barred rock , or younger turken pullets. The farmer also says there are 1 easter egger and 1 red commet. Should I get 3 of the same breed or mix it up? Ultimately I want a very friendly gentle flock

 

[Triple Willow]

A lot of chickens stop laying after two years. I don't believe I would start with any birds that old. The younger birds might be okay or you can always order from a hatchery. I believe the majority of chickens start laying at 19-24 weeks or so. Some birds do lay quite a bit longer than others do. **Be sure to read up on "quarantine" and follow it strictly if you bring birds onto your place from an individual.** Good luck to you.

 

[Triple Willow]

I would go with the barred rock, turken and easter egger. They should all lay good.

 

[bobbi-j]

Thanks! My options are silver laced wyandottes, barred rock , or younger turken pullets. The farmer also says there are 1 easter egger and 1 red commet. Should I get 3 of the same breed or mix it up? Ultimately I want a very friendly gentle flock

I would mix it up. More fun and variety that way.

 

[donrae]

A lot of chickens stop laying after two years. I don't believe I would start with any birds that old. The younger birds might be okay or you can always order from a hatchery. I believe the majority of chickens start laying at 19-24 weeks or so. Some birds do lay quite a bit longer than others do. **Be sure to read up on "quarantine" and follow it strictly if you bring birds onto your place from an individual.** Good luck to you.

I see this all the time and I've yet to run into it in my 20 years of keeping chickens. I just sold a dozen 2 year old layers that came back to laying beautifully after winter break. I've had 7 year old hatchery birds still laying.....I've never had a bird just up and quit laying.

That said, I love the visual variety a mixed flock provides. Plus, if you only have a few birds, they're more likely to be pets, and thus named. You'll want an easy way to tell who is who...frankly I can't tell one barred Rock from another. Getting different breeds also increased the chance you'll find that one breed you just fall in love with!

 

[bawkchoy]

I've read Turkens are good for cold climates,but what about their necks? If I knit them a tube will they wear it?