Newbie Q's: Am I selecting the right breeds to raise?

[KatyTheChickenLady]

In fact once I got rid of the Red sex links, the bullies and the Orps always the victims I have a very happy flock with a clear order but no issues.

 

[FossilRokRanch]

Hmmm...

Spoke with a fellow today that said, "RI Reds, or N.H. Red, all the reds end up being bullies". Yeah, they make great egg layers, but we can get similar results from friendlier birds.

Now leaning towards just wyandottes, BO's and BA's (we getting the lingo right?), with 10 being just BA's. Although maybe some golden wyandottes might make it into the mix.

 

[Cats Critters]

Try this quiz: http://www.mypetchicken.com/breedQuestions.aspx

 

[FossilRokRanch]

Quote:
Thank you! Thank You! THANK YOU!!!!

That quiz sinched it. 10 Black Australorps, 10 Wyandottes (5 silver, 5 gold).

 

[Huny]

We raised some Jumbo Cornish Cross for meat, and they seem to die a LOT easier than if I would of got something that was a little slower growing like straight Cornish. When they cross with the Rock or other meat bird, they put extra weight on shorter legs, and they sometimes have leg failure, but we had 4 out of ten die of heart attacks (Flat on their backs, wings spread). Do a google search for sudden death cornish cross. I passed this info by my uncle-in-law that has raised/judged poultry for over 50 years. He said he has had the same problems with the crosses every time he tries it. He now raises Silver Laced Wyandottes, and Buff Orpingtons and lets the hens hatch out whatever amount, and then eats the extra cockerals and hens that have quit laying, and lets the pullets replace them. Takes a bit longer but you end up with more meat for your money. Pick out 25 or 50 straight run Buff Orps or SLW and you have both covered, at a better price!

 

[ChooksChick]

I think you could also toss in a five-spot of Plymouth Rocks and be very happy!

Mine are very winter hardy, having gone through a couple of -10 weeks this winter. Mine are also so docile they are like lap dogs, and my daughters play with them like dolls.

From the six of mine, I get 4-6 big eggs a day, and did all winter with only enough supplemental lighting to get them inside at dusk, really. In the summer, they aren't too affected by the heat (don't know if that would apply to you).

They are certainly big enough to use for meat if you want to go dual-purpose, as that it's a dual-purpose breed originally.

It would add a lovely barred element to your flock, too.

 

[thedeacon]

I would suggest you also get a couple of roo's and a breed of broody hens. That way when you decide which you like best you can stop depending on ordering chicks and just hatch what you want, either pure bred or crosses.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I don't have any experience with reds--ours are still chicks. However, we have all the other breeds running around together and don't have problems with orpingtons being bullied. In fact, our alpha hen, Queen Penny, was a buff orpington (she got eaten by a dog).

We do have some problems with Speckled Sussex being bullied, but they are not on your list.

Definitely get some black australorps. Beautiful, and ours laid all through the winter.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Fossilroc - I like the decision you made! I know you will like them. I always think of the song "Fat Bottom Girls" when my wyandots are around.

RSCRVC - We never hear much about Plymoth Rocks, but I was given the opportunity to get some the other day, after hearing your oponion I may try some, Thanks!

 

[australorpchick]

Quote:
My Australorp hen Juliet is the alpha, even over the roo, but is very gentle and patient. The only time I've seen her assert her dominance is when our BO/EE, Coconut, challenged her when they first met. Other than an occasional stealing of chickie grub, the entire flock gets along very peacefully.

I would be a little more concerned about the RIR with the Australorps and the BO's. I had 3 for a very short period of time and they were more noisey and less docile that the others. In fact two of them flew up at me when we were trying to get them back into their coop. After being slapped down, they were quickly rehomed. I do not tolerate aggression in my pets.

Also, I've receive an egg a day from my Australorps, Silkie and Delaware. My BO/EE only delivers 6 a week (still not bad).