NEW TO CHICKENS

[NiftyChickie]

Hello,


I live in Florida and would like to start a flock of chickens. I have never owned chickens before but I am researching everything I need to know. I would like to know what kind of chicken breed would do well in the Florida heat, be a heavy egg layer and have a friendly temperament. Can anyone help me with this? Thank you!

 

[birdsrfun]

Well, I'm still a noob myself, but one of the friendliest breeds are Orpingtons. They are good layers, but they are big and cold hearty, so I'm not sure how they would do in the heat. Maybe others can chime in and have some more insight about this.

 

[Veer67]

Glad to have you here with us! You can try Leghorns, Andalusians, Australorps, Plymouth Rocks, and sex linked chickens. There are lots more this might help as well: http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx.

 

[Veer67]

But keep in mind that just because a certain breed of chicken is known or said to be very friendly and docile can be the exact opposite. Breed doesn't necessarily matter (though some breeds tend to flightier than others, but with constant handling they should warm up to you) I've had an Orpington and an Australorp even though all those website said that they were friendly, they were actually were one of the least friendliest chickens in the flock. My Red Star Sugar however was a sweetie, she would follow people around and come when called, she would also lay an egg almost every day.

 

[NiftyChickie]

Thank you everyone for all of your good advice! It's going to help me out a lot and I will definitely try the link. I'm glad I joined

 

[AK Baha]

Welcome, Good luck with your new flock.

 

[birdsrfun]

But keep in mind that just because a certain breed of chicken is known or said to be very friendly and docile can be the exact opposite. Breed doesn't necessarily matter (though some breeds tend to flightier than others, but with constant handling they should warm up to you) I've had an Orpington and an Australorp even though all those website said that they were friendly, they were actually were one of the least friendliest chickens in the flock. My Red Star Sugar however was a sweetie, she would follow people around and come when called, she would also lay an egg almost every day.

You nailed it on the head. For the friendliest birds, you should get them at a few days old, and handle them a lot. Several times a day, every day. This will help bond them to you, and this is true for any breed you get, although some will still be friendlier than others.

 

[NiftyChickie]

Thank you very much everyone!

 

[NiftyChickie]

Oh,

I do have a few more questions. How much feed does a chicken eat? (like 1/4 cup a day?) And do you feed them twice a day? Also...how many nesting boxes should a chicken coop have? Say you have eight chickens...do you need eight nesting boxes??

 

[birdsrfun]

Chicks need food available at all times, and they are going to eat a lot. Get a feeder and keep it full. Same goes for adult chickens. Just don't overdo the treats, such as bread, rice, or fruits. Veggies are fine, although too much may cause loose stools, but nothing really to worry about.

Nesting boxes are typically one box per 4-6 hens. Depends on who you ask. Hens may share a nesting box as well.