Old or young?

[jojoma283]

I've built the coop, researched what feed we will use BUT...

We have a lady who lives about 15 minutes away and she has over 300 chickens. She has plenty to choose from but we only want 3 pullets. An EE, RIR and possibly a Buff or Barred Rock. The problem is if we get them as super young chicks, we won't know for sure if they are pullets, but if we get the ones that she knows for sure are pullets, I don't know if they'll be sweet natured for our kids to be able to handle them a lot.

Any suggestions?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Hi and welcome!!

I would take some treats over to the chickens and hand feed them. Whichever ones come to be fed and seem to be docile, take those. Once they are home you can start hand feeding them more, handle them (gently!) and make them feel loved. You can check out the blog below for friendly chicken breeds to look for at your neighbors' farm.

Good luck!!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have you joining the BYC flock

BYC has a very useful learning center

EE pullets are very sweet natured by nature

These EE pullets are easy going and I let the grand kids pick
them up but they do not run as they are not flighty birds

Again more EE pullets getting ready for bed ....

Now these guys will run but you do not want to catch one

And them geese will nip ya in the backside for fun

gander007

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Mountain Peeps has a really good idea about seeing if any of the pullets are already friendly if the owner will let you pick out your own... Otherwise, even older chickens will usually become friendly over time if you work with them and handle them a lot.

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us! X2 the above. See who's the friendliest and keep them sweet with treats and lots of attention.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

X3 on the treats! That is an excellent way to see who might be the friendliest. Get down on their level, hand some goodies and see who takes!

Good luck with your new flock and welcome to ours!