Newbie with a ? about which chickens :)

[Merrymouse]

You could try to find a group on BYC in your area in the Where am I? Where are you? Section. Someone might know of a breeder who does small batches that don't cost an arm or leg.

Thanks, Ill check that out. How do I find the reviews section?

 

[Hopefeathers]

You could try to find a group on BYC in your area in the Where am I? Where are you? Section. Someone might know of a breeder who does small batches that don't cost an arm or leg.

Thanks,  Ill check that out.  How do I find the reviews section?

Well, if you're using mobile, there is an icon at the upper left hand corner of the screen (brown with horizontal white lines on it.) click that and look down the list it pulls out and you will see "Reviews" that will take you to the page.

 

[Ridgerunner]

It’s beneficial in so many ways to modify your profile to show your location. For example, if I knew your state I could do a search and give you a link to your state group so you could chat with your neighbors about local sources or maybe splitting an order.

You can use the search feature (use the advanced) but it can be a bit challenging when you are new here.

Look in the bottom right corner of your dialogue box when you type a post. Play with the reply and quote features, those are pretty easy to figure out.

 

[Hopefeathers]

If you're using a mobile device it should already be on mobile

 

[Hopefeathers]

You could try to find a group on BYC in your area in the Where am I? Where are you? Section. Someone might know of a breeder who does small batches that don't cost an arm or leg.

Thanks,  Ill check that out.  How do I find the reviews section?

Well, if you're using mobile, there is an icon at the upper left hand corner of the screen (brown with horizontal white lines on it.) click that and look down the list it pulls out and you will see "Reviews" that will take you to the page.

Hmmm...if you're looking for breed reviews only, use the same directions except click 'Breeds' instead of 'Reviews'
Sorry if that's not what you're looking for, I'm new here too!

 

[mobius]

i remember wanting "one of each" when I was planning for my six chickens, lol. But that did not work out with hatchery hatching dates, so i learned a lot right there. I did wind up going to my local feed store, and got three of each kind, see my sig below. They are gorgeous and adorable. As validation for ya, one of the best things i did was get cold-hardy breeds. They are doing fine this first winter.

Don't get a cheap flimsy crackerbox coop. That was another thing i did not do , but almost did. Instead, i got a smallish but uber-solid coop and run, and predator-proofed it.

Good luck, you are gonna have a LOT of fun!

 

[Mrs. K]

Just get chickens! or chicks. I have done a lot of research, and thought for sure I would like this breed and not that... only to be surprised. Some you do like better. In the next months you will be able to walk into nearly any farm store and buy chicks of the breeds you mentioned. This, more than likely, will not be the last time you buy chicks, if you take to this hobby. So you don't really have to get it perfectly the first time.

Just get started! 6-8 is a nice flock. For a first time operator, I strongly recommend just pullets or chicks that will be hens. Grow them up, get some experience, and then you can add other aspects of the hobby such as hatching eggs, having roosters, meat birds..ect. You don't have to do it all the first year.

Mrs K

 

[mobius]

Just get chickens! or chicks. I have done a lot of research, and thought for sure I would like this breed and not that... only to be surprised. Some you do like better. In the next months you will be able to walk into nearly any farm store and buy chicks of the breeds you mentioned. This, more than likely, will not be the last time you buy chicks, if you take to this hobby. So you don't really have to get it perfectly the first time.

Just get started! 6-8 is a nice flock. For a first time operator, I strongly recommend just pullets or chicks that will be hens. Grow them up, get some experience, and then you can add other aspects of the hobby such as hatching eggs, having roosters, meat birds..ect. You don't have to do it all the first year.

Mrs K

Strongly agree! There was quite a steep (but enjoyable) learning curve for me with just the six babies (layers only), bringing them up, and creating their habitat. You might not get ALL the breeds you mentioned, but my farm store had breeds hardy for my area.

 

[donrae]

I think a varied flock is a great way to start out. You can tell the birds apart--big bonus! And you get to experience a variety of breeds.

That said, I agree not to get too bogged down in breed selection. You may have to change plans based on what it available, so be flexible!

Basically, all of your dual purpose or layer type breeds will get along with each other. Individual birds may present a challenge, but that's going to happen with any animal.

What you need to be aware of is trying to mix either bantams or ornamental breeds with dual purpose or production birds. Birds that look very different, especially birds with lots of feathers on the head that may limit visibility, tend to get picked on in a mixed flock. So, don't try to run a flock of Rocks and Aussies and add one adorable little Polish hen, that's a recipe for a bald Polish. Silkies, Houdans, Sultans, the crested/ornamental types shouldn't be mixed with layers as a rule.

Other than than, have fun! Enjoy the variety, be sure to get an Easter egger or two for colored eggs and puffy cheeks