NEW TO CHICKENS HELP NEEDED WITH LOTS OF BIG DECISIONS!!

[LadyVictorian]

I am getting my layer hens from Meyer, they still have Silkies available I think. In April their min for bantams like Silkies is 5. That is not too large a flock. I am getting 8 chicks in April.

 

[theback40]

Bummer!!

too bad MPC didn't have your silkies

 

[lazy gardener]

Can you try an other hatchery???

 

[duluthralphie]

I am getting my layer hens from Meyer, they still have Silkies available I think. In April their min for bantams like Silkies is 5. That is not too large a flock. I am getting 8 chicks in April. 

Destiny on the surviving Minnesota thread is an NPIP hatchery and raises and sells some of the best show quality silkies you will find around.

 

[pistolero]

Bantams or silkies would be a good idea. (Disclaimer; I'm a newbie too, no chickens yet, but have been doing lots of research online to find out what I want to do with my flock when I get it) By all accounts silkies are great pets, and you can research bantam breeds and find out which are the most docile/human friendly. Plus 4 or 5 small chickens like those would do well in the same space as 3 larger breed chickens probably, but still have the advantage of a larger flock number, and more spreading out of the pecking order for better social order basically. Probably wouldn't even be that bad even if you did end up with one rooster with the silkie/bantams opposed to large fowl.

When you decide what you really want to get, don't forget to check on craigslist and facebook for local breeders. You can go look at what you'll actually be getting. Most likely get better quality birds and not have to get a minimum amount AND pick them up in person meaning NO WORRIES with shipping. In the process you'll probably get a local contact or two willing to help you with newbie questions and problems you may have.

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Thank you! I'll try craiglist, and yes, I can go to other hatcheries, but usually they have more of a minimum.. Thanks!

 

[theback40]

i just rec'd my chicks today from MPC. 14/15 made it, which i'm not upset about, really. to make this arduous journey in the dead of winter, all the way across country, i was asking alot of those birds!!

which, btw allowed me the chance to experience their continued, excellent customer service (i have called them on various occasions, various questions, n they've always been great).

AnYWaYs,,,,

what i wanted to say, was for a breed recommendation,, out of my 14 (7 different breeds), i immediately fell in LOVE w the Lavender Orpington... BEAUTIFUL color!! n she is the most gentle, sweet thing!! she is already completely comfortable w me picking her up n petting her,, in fact, the first time, she immediately fell asleep in my hand as i pet her!!! she was sooooo relaxed!!! if she sees my hand, she will come over!! others are varying degrees of friendliness/avoidance, but she REALLY stands out, even now!!

sorry no pics yet,, having trouble getting them uploaded

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Thank you! I would consider a lavender orpington, but they're quite expensive compared to the others, which I'm quite fine with, but I'd like to get at least two of each breed and two of them would cost 29.50! Do they decrease shipping price if you order a more expensive chicken? I'm also looking at a cochin, that ok? Thanks!

 

[theback40]

same price for shipping, as far as i know.

i know nothing about the ornamental breeds, ie. cold-hardiness, etc.
but it sounds like you are doing your homework, which is so wise. you will find the right breed, n they will steal your heart!!

 

[Redhenny]

Meyer Hatchery in Ohio has plenty of different varietys of chicks for sale but you must buy 15 or more. They wont ship them to your post office unless 15 or more chicks