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mickie

mickie

Hatching
10 Years
Mar 7, 2009
2
0
7
Hello everyone!
I'm looking forward to this new adventure. My hubby and I have never raised chickens before, but are excited to jump in...prepared!

-We're both in our mid-forties DINKS and looking for a change, and fun! Some new pets to take care of and love (i will...hubby just wants layers) I have a dog and two cats...one is in/out...and would love to get a hold of a chicken!
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I'm a Physical therapist, hubby works for the state.
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-I've been researching alot and decided I want a type of chicken tractor. That's the only way a can free range them and keep the ground under thier feet clean and fresh! We have about 4 acres we can pull it on. I'm guessing it will have to be quite large to house 20 or so chickens. I'm thinking to get a used trailer to build it on. We have a tractor and ATV's to pull it. Would a big coop be best AND a tractor?
I'm researching chicken types now too. That's the best part!
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-Bantams...or chickens, well, I think we'll get both. I need to know why still! LOL.

-Any advice is so welcome!
Questions:
1) do I really need a rooster for any reson at all? I read they are good to have even if i'm not breeding.
2) Bantam eggs might be too small to share and sell for fun...any thoughts?
3) Looking for some Heavy layers (good looking ones too) Hubby likes brown eggs best....just his thing. Is there a difference in texture/taste?
Michelle and Mike
 
First
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Sounds like you're really doing your homework before buying. That's good.

Do you have to have a roo, no but I always have. I like the way he looks after the ladies. Clucking for them when he finds food. It's really cute.

Batam eggs are neat. I personally don't own any but my sister does and they work just as well as large eggs you just need more of them. On the flip side of that they also eat less food so I guess in the end it's a wash.

Now for which breed's best well I'm definately biased toward my Delawares. They're great layers and have lots of personality. The orps are also nice friendly heavy birds.
 
Welcome. If you haven't seen it yet, Henderson's Breed Chart shows a lot about the different breeds

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

No real diffference in texture/taste of brown versus white eggs, but a big difference in free range and store bought/mass produced eggs. Check this site.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Foo … -Eggs.aspx

Breauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I'd suggest you consider the Delaware, as mentioned. Also the Australorp, pure black but oh so shiny. The Speckled Sussex is also worth consideration. And don't neglect the Rocks and Wyandottes. Some have such beautiful patterns and markings. The Dorking can be striking. It's kind of hard to go wrong with any of these.
 
Quote:
That's so nice of you to offer information so help[ful...i need all the help I can get!
Thanks!
 

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