New to the Coop!

[kelsimarie789]

Hi Everone,

What a great site! I recently bought a house with very large yard on the outskirts of town and would like to get a few chickens. Some eggs would be nice but I also would like a social, friendly breed. I really like the looks of the unusual breeds... the funkier the better The problem I'm having is there are so many breeds I don't know which ones would be good?! Where is a good place to order etc... If different breeds get along? Do I need a rooster to go along with hens? Any info would be great!

 

[Kaugomu]

First off -

and congrats on your new house.

There are LOTS of different hatcheries out there if you are simply looking for companion chickens and eggs (not show quality chickens) I personally have used My Pet Chicken and Meyer Hatchery and been thrilled with the customer service and the chickens.

Visit it the learning center (link up there ^^) for LOTS of great info (https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/getting-started-raising-chickens) on just getting started, and the breed tab has (what could be an overwhelming amount) of information on different breeds. The most importnat things to keep in mind are finding birds that will be hardy in your climate (be that hot or cold or a little of both) and then I would start by ordering a list of your priorities (is it more important that they look unique, lay a specific color or size of egg, be a specific color themselves (white, blue, brown, striped, spotted etc.) be a newer breed, or an older heritage breed etc.) If you want to look at pictures of various breeds, http://www.feathersite.com is fantastic as well is the book Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds (http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Illustrated-Guide-Poultry-Breeds/dp/1580176674).

Also, you don't have to have a rooster to get eggs from your hens.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas, Kelsimarie789, and

! Pleased to have you aboard! So many great breed choices - everyone has their favorites. Why not get a mixed flock? If raised as chicks you won't have any problems with them getting along. Below is a nifty chart where you can compare some breeds. And no, a rooster isn't necessary unless you want to hatch some eggs.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

 

[BrendaJ]

Hello from Oregon & welcome to BYC - great site with lots of info. Look like fabulous feedback given above - what ever hens you choose "enjoy " & post pics.

 

[drumstick diva]

Kaugomau gave you very good advice. Are eggs more important to you than exotic looks? Crested polish, Frizzles and Silkies are unusual looking but, none of them are considered real "laying chickens. Eggs from them are more of a surprise than a given.

You might want to go to "Where am I, where are you." so you could post on your state thread. That way you might find others near you to offer advice on what breeds do best in your climate, etc. Maybe someone local would even have what you are looking for, so you wouldn't need to have birds shipped.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[kelsimarie789]

Thank you everyone got the great support and info!! Ill be doing my homework and posting pics soon!!