okay, I'm bummed. Please cheer me up. (PS chickens are fine though)

[awesomefowl]

Why don't you buy a bantam Arucana or Ameraucana hen for blue/green eggs?
And please, a chicken is a CHICKEN. Don't be afraid of them!!!

 

[chuckzoo]

I also started out with two chickens and am now using my orininal coop and run next to a larger run, but wanted to share original my setup which was quite easy to build;

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=28681

Yes one has to be on guard when the hens are close, I have been pecked on the nose twice where they actually broke the skin. Now I don't let them get close to my face.

 

[awesomefowl]

If you are not anjoying the chickens, stew or soup them and get new chicks.

 

[wahmommy]

Awesome Fowl - I understand where you are coming from, I am posting in a public forum so all replies are fine, but please understand that these are considered pets and although I am trying to teach my kids that food is sometimes made of animals I don't think they are ready for me to boil up these ladies.

edited to add - sorry just realized the above sounds a little snippy. I totally get that some byc folks eat their roosters and older hens, and that's okay with me. I'm just frustrated because they are pets...if I did want to rehome them then I have to explain to my kids what happened to their pets....

 

[wahmommy]

AwesomeFowl- when you say bantam ameraucana, aren't the eggs too small to really use? I thought about that, but then I wasn't sure if you could mix two large fowl with one bantam...?

 

[Captain Carrot]

I agree with selling as a pair, if you're really unhappy with them.

try bantams, smaller birds are fine with a little less space. depending on breed you could get 3 or 4

 

[In His Service]

Hi, We got started with chickens a year ago...got 2 mixed breed bantam pullets and a roo from a neighbor. They laid their first eggs 2 days after we got them. At first they laid small to medium eggs, but over time the size increased. Now, the eggs are medium to large. The eggs are large enough to use in recipes that call for large eggs without feeling like I have to add extra eggs.

 

[cluckin_crazy]

wahmommy - per the PMC website, it is "Designed for up to 4 chickens
With plenty of roosting and nesting space, you can happily house three to four standard-size chickens, or five to six bantams."

If I read right, it's about 6.5' x 2' right? So with the run you added, you have 29 s.f. which according to MPC is just enough for 2 chickens - but do you ever let them out to stretch their legs? My 6 chickens have over 16 s.f. but when I open the gate to let them roam in the grass, they still come out running and flapping their wings like they had been in a pet carrier for a week. Letting them out isn't necessary, but they certainly appreciate it. They will help you with bug control, too!

 

[awesomefowl]

Quote:
You can if, but sort of depends on the hens; some are meaner than others to newcomers.
Bantam eggs are slightly to very smaller than standard, but completely usable and tasty. I have 5 in my incubator right now!

Oh, and I understand about the pets. My nine hens and three roosters are pets too, and all have names. Next time I may not name them.

 

[FiveHens]

Personally, I think green eggs are beautifully colored. Yes, you might not get variation, but your children can eat green eggs and ham! There is an element of novelty.
That said, rehoming these chickens and ordering/buying from legitimate breeders is an option, if you are concerned with the aesthetics of your eggs and chickens.

As for the pecking problem, I can't honestly believe that your hens bear you ill will. Do you feed them treats out of your hands? If you do that regularly enough, they should learn that the hand is the only place to look for treats. I'm sure the eye-pecking was just inquisitive. However, I totally understand your precautions, given your experience.

If you love your chickens as pets, keep them. If you value them mostly for their pure breeds and egg colors, give them away. If you keep them, I'm sure with some attention (and a little scratch) they will warm up to you with time.

Best of luck!