New to chickens

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[NickyKnack]

Welcome to BYC and the coop. There are a lot of great peeps here! Ask questions and most of all make yourself at home. So glad you joined.

 

[allison lilly]

[COLOR=333333]Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.[/COLOR]

You do not need a rooster in order for hens to lay eggs. Roosters are only required for egg fertilization. The best breeds for you, since you are in need of hardy ones, include buff orpingtons, black australorps, wyandotte, barred rocks, sussex and sex links. All of these breeds are generally friendly, great layers, good foragers and very cold hardy.

Do you want friendly birds? If so you should buy them as chicks. Started birds aka pullets and cockerels are usually skittish and hard to tame whereas chicks are very easy. 


[COLOR=333333]Also, if you are wanting eggs in the same year you buy your baby chicks, then you need to get them in spring or even late winter. This is because pullets take about 4-7 months to start laying and need warmth and light in order to do so. So let's say you buy your chicks in March; they will probably start laying in August or September. That all depends on breed too.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=333333]Good luck and welcome to our flock![/COLOR]

Thank you so much for the very informative information. After reading your suggestions and doing more research I am gong to buy chicks I think that would be best after all. I do want them to be friendly and be able to handle them if needed.

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined us!

No, a rooster is not necessary for hens to lay, remain healthy, or be happy. A rooster is only needed if you want fertilized eggs.

 

[ChickyChickens]

Welcome to BYC!!! There are loads of members on here…so if you have ANY questions…just ASK!!!

Hope you have loads of fun and all your answers answered here on BYC the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM on EARTH!!