No chickens, yet, but soon and hi!

[Red Barn Farms]

 

[aravis227]

Thank you for all the welcomes!

We've decided on our coop style and will be building it over the next couple of months. We hope to do it mostly from the culled wood section of our local hardware stores to save some money, so it might take us a bit longer.

However, ever the pre-planner that I am, I've been researching chicken breeds and I was hoping to ask a few questions. We live in a standard neighborhood, with neighbors on all sides, our lot is just under a quarter acre. I don't know anyone else in the neighborhood who has chickens (I've been keeping my eyes out since we decided), so as I research I am trying to stick to breeds that are described as quiet. We also have a rambunctious toddler who LOVES animals (our cats have born many, many hugs from him!). I'll be doing my best to keep him from the chickens, but I am also looking for a breed that will be more tolerant of the attention. My last big consideration is our climate, I'm looking for a breed that can handle cool to quite warm. We are definitely looking for egg layers, but may decide later to raise them for meat as well since city law here says we can only have five hens and five chicks at a time, so I'm looking at dual purpose birds. Our plan is to start with 2-3 pullets since we've never done this before and I'm thinking Australorps, Orpingtons, or Stars. Those breeds are pretty highly rated here on BYC and fill my quiet, docile, easily handled, all weather, dual purpose requirements.

Do you folks think I'm on the right track with those breeds? Is there one that you would recommend over the others?

Ok...I talk a lot! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Big A Chickens]

Hi and

Glad you joined us!!!