Opinions wanted! New to this. :)

[NYRIR]

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[okiehollow]

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Hi!

I have RIR and Barred Rock and I would choose Barred Rock any day! I raised them from eggs and my RIR seem to be more stand offish and don't like being handled, squawking the whole time you do! While the Barred Rock's seem to thrive on getting attention! I have raised older ones that even as adults don't mind being picked up and petted occasionally. Mine cuddle up and would pur if they could! If your looking for more pets I would go with the Barred Rock. My opinion

. Have fun!

 

[crawfordmama]

If you're planning on a small flock, pick whichever breeds you love. If you think you may get bigger as time goes on, keep in mind that chickens may "single out" one that is a different color. I have one white EE in my flock of brown and black breeds. She is the lowest in the pecking order, and I'm quite certain it's because she stands out. Just a thought.

Have fun with your new chicks!

 

[MelanieS]

Thanks everyone!

So yes, I am going to go with 3 hens (1 Plymouth, 1 RIR and 1 Brahma). They are all coming from the same lady and are all laying currently. The lady I am buying from seems patient with my many questions.

I'm going to pick them up on Sunday. Our coop will be built by then. I will definitely post some pictures once they come home!

Do you guys recommend keeping them in their coop/run for the first few days to get them used to their new digs before I let them have the run of the place?

Thanks!!

 

[NYRIR]

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I keep all newbies in for a week.So far I have had great success in doing this and all find their own way back in at dusk.Good luck...it's so exciting to start a chicken venture!

 

[BoltonChicken]

From my readings and past experience I am not so sure that the RIR would make a good pet. They do lay very well, but are combative compared to other breeds.
Commercially very good. As a pet, maybe not so much. Barred Rocks are very good. As are Dominiques and Orpingtons.
Keep them in the coop for a week, then the run for another week. Let 'em get used to being "home"!

 

[NYRIR]

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That's what I heard as well....but got them anyway...and all my red hens are wonderful pets!My 2 RIR roos are also kind....I did,however have them from day olds and handled them every day. Just my 2 cents

 

[Patricia Jane]

I have a mixed flock. Barred Rocks, Wyandottes and Leghorn.They are definately my pets. My Barred Rocks are my favorite. They are very very friendly, love to be held and petted. My Wynadottes are so so. My leghorn is skittish and screams while being held but is a great layer. I think everyone has a favorite and they all have their own personality. Pick the ones you want and hope you have friendly ones. Just because some say theirs are friendly does not mean the breed as a whole is. Good luck and have fun. Chickens are great and addicting.

 

[mtnviewfarms]

My husband and I are relative 'chicken keeping newbies' too - originally planned for 17 day old chickens but were sent 54 day old
chicks - all Barred Plymouth Rocks. It has been so much fun and so rewarding to care for them from day one - they are now 10
weeks old and so friendly. They LOVE being paid attention to and especially being picked up, held and tickled. One of the pullets
can't 'get enough' and as soon as I put her down she runs right back and trys to jump into arms but the other pullets push her out
of the way as they want 'their turn'. I've never had chickens before the BRs so can't give any comparison to other breeds - BRs
are so inquisitive, curious and playful with great individualized personalities and quirks - so much fun to watch them interact and play
together. I agree with what others have said about getting at least 3 or more and also with the part about keeping chickens being
very addictive! Have fun and post some pix of your 'girls' when you get them.

 

[Fritatta]

I say get 6!
For one thing, as much as I hate to say it, one or more might not make it -
disease, accident, predator, etc etc. And it would be heartbreaking to lose 2 of 3 chicks.

And, it is NO more work to care for 6 than to care for 1. (Unless you get a roo)
6 hens is nothing. and you will lose some. fact of life.