newbie looking to get tips from established chicken folks

[jenichick]

I just wanted to wish you a warm welcome, and the best advice I've received so far is to create a very safe environment for your chicks. Seems as though they have a lot of predators!

Good Luck!!!!!

 

[Katy]

I'm sure you'll enjoy having birds again. If you're planning on getting 25 of each of the birds you listed, can I make one caution? Don't start off too big. It's a big investment in both time and money....especially if you're going to have to start from scratch and build coops and runs for all of them. You might be better off in the long run to start on a smaller scale and build up your number of different breeds.

 

[PastorKelley]

Hi all
First of all thanks for the warm welcome its a blessing

second one of you suggested Sandhill Preservation as opposed to Mcmurray what is the the main difference other than I seen Sandhill offers just straight run as opposed to already sexed out chickens granted the prices are fair.
Thanks & be blessed
Pastor Greg Kelley

 

[BirdBrain]

The main difference, as I see it, between MM and Sandhill is that MM is a LARGE production hatchery that pumps out thousands of birds a week. They do not particularly select for specific characteristics nor are they as concerned with preservation of genetic diversity as Sandhill is. Sandhill is a small family outfit and is very concerned with preserving genetic diversity and selecting for qualities that represent the breed. If you read down through the breeds they offer you will see notes on what they are selecting for in some of their breeds. They also give wonderful descriptions of the characteristics of their birds. They offer some varieties that MM does not carry such as the Blue Orpingtons (like Speckled Hen has) that I am just dying to have. I also want some of their other lovely birds, but have to wait until I have a suitable place. Hopefully in the spring. They do only have straight run birds. I for one am glad. They are not throwing away excess cockerals. The folks that get them can choose to rehome them or eat them or use them for breeding. HTH.

 

[silkiechicken]

Good luck with meat on thoes leghorns! Year old roo was 3 lbs dressed...

Per those that posted previously about breeding for show, you'll have to start with breeder quality birds... hatcheries are notorious for non standard types... and that's alot to start with, and a lot to try and focus on type with.

 

[Omeletta]

Welcome, Pastor Kelley! I hope it goes well for you, as you get ready to get your flock and set-up.

 

[GoodEgg]

Everyone's already given great advice, so I will just say "Welcome!"

Hope you find chicks that suit you and all goes well!

trish

 

[bantymum]

Welcome Pastor Kelley, I would go with buff orps!
My 16 year old hen is a buff orpington cross and still very healthy. She's a sweet natured hen, perhaps it would be an idea to have some of our BYC breeders ship some birds to you when the weather gets cooler.

 

[PastorKelley]

Hello
again thanks for all the great feedback
and very helpful advice
after I get up and going I will be going with
6 f 1 m BUFF ORPINGTONS,6 f 1 m BARRED ROCKS
and 12 1 m bantams blue cochins far less than my original plan but it gives me a chance to slowly expand while regaining knowledge I once had.
My question would be this what size of pen would you folks recommend for each set up I was thinking a 4-6 for the bantams and maybe a 6-8 for the larger breeds with a fair size pen
Ty & be blessed
Pastor kelley