New to Chickens :)

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Hello and welcome!!
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What types of chickens do you have/plan on having?
 
We will probably invest heavily in Australorps.

I've done extensive reading, and they seem to be easy, laid back birds that lay well and are quite a delicacy. :)

What about you?
 
MrsBrooke said:
We will probably invest heavily in Australorps.

I've done extensive reading, and they seem to be easy, laid back birds that lay well and are quite a delicacy. :)

What about you?
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I currently have 7 Black Australorps, 7 Black Sex Links, 4 Buff Orpingtons, and & Easter Eggers (all 25 are hens). After raising chickens for the past 50 years, I'm convinced that Australorps are the best, all-around, dual-purpose breed on the planet. My Black Sex Links are a little better for sheer egg production, but my Australorps are a better meat bird, the hardiest chickens (both heat and cold, having gone unscathed from 30 F below zero in northern Kansas to 123 F in CA) that I've ever had, and almost untouchable as far as a calm and gentle temperament (only my Orpingtons are as good among my current breeds). I don't think you can go wrong with Australorps. Whatever chickens you end up getting, good luck with your flock.
 
Michael OShay said:
I currently have 7 Black Australorps, 7 Black Sex Links, 4 Buff Orpingtons, and & Easter Eggers (all 25 are hens). After raising chickens for the past 50 years, I'm convinced that Australorps are the best, all-around, dual-purpose breed on the planet. My Black Sex Links are a little better for sheer egg production, but my Australorps are a better meat bird, the hardiest chickens (both heat and cold, having gone unscathed from 30 F below zero in northern Kansas to 123 F in CA) that I've ever had, and almost untouchable as far as a calm and gentle temperament (only my Orpingtons are as good among my current breeds). I don't think you can go wrong with Australorps. Whatever chickens you end up getting, good luck with your flock.
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That's awesome! We are looking to get 30 birds (3 roosters included) to continue growing our flock. :)

Thanks for the insight!
 
MrsBrooke said:
That's awesome! We are looking to get 30 birds (3 roosters included) to continue growing our flock. :)

Thanks for the insight!
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You're welcome. Three roosters will probably work fine with 30 birds. The recommended ratio is 1 rooster for every 10 hens. You will be slightly under that, but Black Australorps are gentle (as roosters go). However, there can always be exceptions with any breed, and if one of the three roosters does show some aggressive tendencies, I would not hesitate to cull him from the flock. You can still breed 27 hens with two roosters, and you don't want to breed aggression into your flock. Good luck.
 
Michael OShay said:
You're welcome. Three roosters will probably work fine with 30 birds. The recommended ratio is 1 rooster for every 10 hens. You will be slightly under that, but Black Australorps are gentle (as roosters go). However, there can always be exceptions with any breed, and if one of the three roosters does show some aggressive tendencies, I would not hesitate to cull him from the flock. You can still breed 27 hens with two roosters, and you don't want to breed aggression into your flock. Good luck.
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Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

I am learning *so* much in my short time here! I can certainly see there is a lot to know. :) Our next project after the coop will be developing our own brand of feed for them, which will include, sprouted mung beans, lentils, and oats. I will do more research for the exact ratio once we near laying time (the chicks will be on starter feed).

Also, there was a really great article on the DIY section of BYC for raising our own meal worms. MAN! I want to do it ALL! :D
 

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