new to this board and raising chickens

[coralanna]

I live in Ontario and probably have lots of questions that you have answered many of times to all the new farmers. First I want to say hello and hope I`m not to much of a pain.

I live in the country so I dont have any problems with bylaws. I`ve been doing some reading on here and it can get a little confussing. I want to have dp birds. The roadisland reds. birds sound best for our cold temps. The one question is, getting 30 chicks keeping the hens for egg laying and using the males for meat. Do you have to castrate them or after 12 to 16 weeks harvest them. What`s the difference in the meat product. Also how long do you have the hens before they start to lay eggs. I was pretty young when my grandparents had the farm. I remember bits of feeding. basicly grain and mash with shell. Fress water every day. collect the eggs in the morning.

Hopefully you can help me out with some of my questions. I plan on getting the chicks in May.

Thanks for your help.

Coralanna means Cory my son Al is me and Anna is my wife and it`s also the name of our boat.

 

[bockbock2008]

from Indiana!!!

Rhode Islands are a great dual purpose bird. There will probably be better answers but if you caponize the roosters, I think it eliminates testosterone that will toughen the meat and also keep aggression down. You will be overwhelmed with the amount of helpfull info on here and don't hesitate to ask. The same questions have been answered numerous times here but that just means there are always people joining that are new to raising chickens.

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

Glad you joined. I agree with bockbock2008.... There is alot of information here. Just dig around in some of the different threads. You will learn a ton and have fun doing it. Lots of helpful folks here..

 

[rebbetzin]

I know you will find answers to any questions you may have on here. I love it here!! It has been such a help to me!!

 

[Liamm_1]

Use the search function. Most, if not all of your questions, will have been answered already

 

[Desert Rooster]

Hello from Hesperia, Ca

 

[coralanna]

thanks for the reply`s. I know it`s going to be a fun adventure

Alan

 

[Wild Trapper]

from Ohio.

You will want to collect eggs in the evening once your hens start laying. RIRs are usually kind of vocal and let you know when they've lain an egg. I used to have a few RIRs but was disappointed in them for their meanness habits. Some other breeds can be bad too. My advise, do a little more research into breed behavior and don't worry quite so much about cold hardiness. Buy a breed that others in your area already have and they will be hardy enough for your climate. Something else about winter, if you live where there is much snow, chickens don't like snow and if there is much, mine won't venture out in it. So, you want a coop large enough so they are not too crowded or the meanness could get to the point they will actually pick on a smaller or weaker bird until they kill it.

 

[coralanna]

that`s great advice wild trapper. Since the grand kids will be helping feeding, this could be a problem if they are too agresive

thanks Alan

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. Most hens will start to lay after they reach 20 weeks some take longer. I wouldn't waste the time castrating males, just butcher them when the time comes.