New to chickens in Maryland

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slicksc

slicksc

Chirping
5 Years
Jun 30, 2014
16
0
65
Mechanicsville
Hey all,
I'm very excited to be starting a flock of chickens! I'm looking at breeds like, orpingtons, barred rocks, and australorps and was wondering if these breeds will be okay for a beginner? I'll most likely buy them from the local Amish. Anyway, what would would a good coop size for six birds? When is the best time of year to start a flock?
 
First of all
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Well Barred rocks and Rhode island reds are good for beginners they are faithful chickens and good egg layers. As far as getting chicks at a certain times of the year people generally get their chicks in the spring time. But as long as you can provide a closed warm dry space for them (with a heat lamp normally ) they should be fine any time of the year. As far as the coop goes if you can let them free range ( free ranging is letting them out to eat and forge for bugs and plants) , the coop can be smaller, but, if they are to stay in it all the time you well need about 7x5ft coop with poles or dowels for them to roost on and room for nesting boxes where they can lay there eggs. And some place for shade...I'm sure after my post you will get many other posts with plenty of info and opinions for you to choose from! Hope this helps!

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Welcome to BYC. Orpingtons and Australorps are generally mellow and productive birds. Many strains tend to become broody. Barred rocks are personable and good producers of eggs. All three breeds are good choices. Basically on when to start - chicks in the spring or started pullets at any time.
 
Welcome to BYC! All have had all three of those breeds (still have Australorps and a few Orpingtons) and they are very hardy and good for beginners. Orpingtons and Australorps are especially calm and gentle birds, and the Australorps are the best layers of the trio (lots of large, brown eggs). You can't go wrong with them. For six birds, you need a coop with a minimal floor area of 24 ft. square (4 sq. ft. per bird), but more is better. If you live in a cold winter area, the best time of year to start a flock if you're starting with chicks would be spring or early summer, where they have plenty of time to feather well before the onset of winter.
 
Welcome...Im new myself but wanted to answer you on the Black Australorps. I have 9 hens and a rooster that are mixed RIR and Black Australorp. They have been really easy to deal with....they tend to be a little flighty but they are birds in my opinion and should. :) They get a little jumpy at times and can be big sweethearts.....We dont have eggs yet but were close and we are at 23 weeks. I let mine free range so they get a little jumpy because Ive had a local dog scare them twice. but the rooster warns of danger and I love the fact I got the Rooster....I almost went with 10 hens only. good luck and this place is loaded with good helpful friendly people.
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Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Oh you will love the Black Australorps. They are very friendly, docile and very affectionate. My girls follow me around like drooling puppies looking for goodies or a nice soft lap to sit on. I highly recommend them as a beginner bird.

10 square feet per bird in the run, 5 square feet per bird in the coop. Definitely stop by our learning center for all kinds of good articles on all the aspects of getting started and raising your new birds..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!
 

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