***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[kennym99]

I've was wondering when chicks will molt their wing feathers. I've never really paid much attention to my chicks when they molt but I have some Black Copper Marans chick with one white tipped feather on each wing, I've heard they should molt the white feathers but was just wondering when they will fall out, or if you guys even think they will. They are around 2 months old.

 

[n8dawgbu]

Wow! What an overwhelming response. Okay, so I have gathered that Atwoods might be okay, but also may carry some risks. How much more would it cost me to buy chickens at auction or through craigslist? Pretty small difference I would imagine, and it also sounds like my selection of birds may have been too hasty. I have two small children, almost 4 and 1.5, so I want them to be around our chickens a lot. Also, we do want good layers because the purpose is to actually keep us from having to buy eggs of our own. SO, what are my best options? And if any of you are trying to sell chicks locally or near us, let me know, if they are a kind of breed that you think would do well for our needs, that would be great! We would love to get started sooner, we just didn't think we'd see chicks until Feb. Thanks for your help!

 

[spunkychickenmomma]

Wow! What an overwhelming response. Okay, so I have gathered that Atwoods might be okay, but also may carry some risks. How much more would it cost me to buy chickens at auction or through craigslist? Pretty small difference I would imagine, and it also sounds like my selection of birds may have been too hasty. I have two small children, almost 4 and 1.5, so I want them to be around our chickens a lot. Also, we do want good layers because the purpose is to actually keep us from having to buy eggs of our own. SO, what are my best options? And if any of you are trying to sell chicks locally or near us, let me know, if they are a kind of breed that you think would do well for our needs, that would be great! We would love to get started sooner, we just didn't think we'd see chicks until Feb. Thanks for your help!

From my experience, my Naked Necks and Barred Rocks have been the most productive, non-flighty; friendly and overall heat/cold hardy birds that I have owned. Barred Rocks are a very popular breed and very easy to find.

 

[chicksooner]

Wow! What an overwhelming response. Okay, so I have gathered that Atwoods might be okay, but also may carry some risks. How much more would it cost me to buy chickens at auction or through craigslist? Pretty small difference I would imagine, and it also sounds like my selection of birds may have been too hasty. I have two small children, almost 4 and 1.5, so I want them to be around our chickens a lot. Also, we do want good layers because the purpose is to actually keep us from having to buy eggs of our own. SO, what are my best options? And if any of you are trying to sell chicks locally or near us, let me know, if they are a kind of breed that you think would do well for our needs, that would be great! We would love to get started sooner, we just didn't think we'd see chicks until Feb. Thanks for your help!

http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

this might help you out.

 

[Okla-doodle-doo]

I would have to agree with Spunky,the turkens or naked necks are a great choice,they are a foolproof breed!lol

Well I just got myself a handful I think,I spoke for three dachshund puppies! Another Craig's find!lol we have cold here today. We're in that article blast going on back east.
I bought four little mottled colored bantam hens at the auction a couple of weeks ago. I thought at the time that they looked like some I used to have. Well after getting them home and looking at them more I went and did some digging in my computer and found their pic! They are the ones I had a year or so back! Poor things must have had a rough trip,only one still has toe nails., I guess they will be with me for the rest of their time. I can't believe they were all able to stay as a group.they are older birds but maybe they will be good sitters. Guess its one of those "what goes around comes around"story's!lol

 

[Poco Pollo]

Doodle - That's an amazing story. Maybe the group was destined to be with you : )

DH is in Tulsa for March for Life tonight. I think it starts at 7:00 p.m. Since I don't have to "make" supper, I'm having a fried egg sandwich and a big glass of goat milk.

Our flock is doing well, but egg production is still low. I smell skunk musk nearly every morning around the barn, so maybe the hens are frightened. Vesta hasn't caught anything, and she hasn't been sprayed lately, so maybe the skunks are using their stealth mode for sneaking past her. There are thirty or more conical-shaped holes near the compost pile. If the varmint would just dig in the pile, I wouldn't have to turn it.

One of the Catalana roos wouldn't go into the coop tonight. I got my camera and a rake, and I used them in that order. He's in his house, snug and safe. Silly guy thought he was going to camp out since the weather's so nice.

 

[mjgigax]

Wow! What an overwhelming response. Okay, so I have gathered that Atwoods might be okay, but also may carry some risks. How much more would it cost me to buy chickens at auction or through craigslist? Pretty small difference I would imagine, and it also sounds like my selection of birds may have been too hasty. I have two small children, almost 4 and 1.5, so I want them to be around our chickens a lot. Also, we do want good layers because the purpose is to actually keep us from having to buy eggs of our own. SO, what are my best options? And if any of you are trying to sell chicks locally or near us, let me know, if they are a kind of breed that you think would do well for our needs, that would be great! We would love to get started sooner, we just didn't think we'd see chicks until Feb. Thanks for your help!

Rhode Island Reds and Barred Rocks are friendly hens that lay well.
Chicks can be cheaper at auctions than at Atwoods. Last season, Atwoods was charging about 3.45/chick if I remember right. It depends on the demand and suply at auctions . I have seen chicks go for .65 to 7.00/ chick.

 

[mjgigax]

Wow! What an overwhelming response. Okay, so I have gathered that Atwoods might be okay, but also may carry some risks. How much more would it cost me to buy chickens at auction or through craigslist? Pretty small difference I would imagine, and it also sounds like my selection of birds may have been too hasty. I have two small children, almost 4 and 1.5, so I want them to be around our chickens a lot. Also, we do want good layers because the purpose is to actually keep us from having to buy eggs of our own. SO, what are my best options? And if any of you are trying to sell chicks locally or near us, let me know, if they are a kind of breed that you think would do well for our needs, that would be great! We would love to get started sooner, we just didn't think we'd see chicks until Feb. Thanks for your help!

My neighbor, (we are in South East Choctaw) will have Rhode Island Reds, Welsummers, 4 kinds of Marans and Ameraucanas in late Feb.
Kathy, Okieridge, may have some now.

 

[mjgigax]

There are thirty or more conical-shaped holes near the compost pile. If the varmint would just dig in the pile, I wouldn't have to turn it.

Isn't that the truth!
Beautiful picture!

 

[okracefan]

My neighbor, (we are in South East Choctaw) will have Rhode Island Reds, Welsummers, 4 kinds of Marans and Ameraucanas in late Feb.
Kathy, Okieridge, may have some now.

MJ, may have to talk to you about some of Ameraucanas!