Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[SilkieSensation]

Quote: These were all in the outdoor brooder which has a roof over the entire thing but was a "light box" that's solid walled & an "open end" that'a wire walled on 3 sides. All of the stupid babies were huddled in the corner of the open end that was getting the worst of the rain.

I had to run out in the worst of the storm (hail & all) to go pitch their stupid rears into the box & out of the rain.

Quote: 1. 5-6 bantams or 3-4 large fowl would be perfect for 1 person & should even provide a few extra eggs for sharing, pickling or deviling.
2. Bantam eggs taste the same as regular eggs, it just takes more of them to get the same portion. You can always start out small & add more later.
3. If the main goal is pets & a few eating eggs then hybrid layers are probably not as desirable as heritage breeds or slower maturing breeds.
4. Easter Eggers will add variety to your flock & your egg basket with both feather colors & egg colors. Silkies make great pets & are usually very docile & fairly quiet but tend to be poor layers. They do love to sit on & hatch eggs though. The barred birds always add a striking contrast to any flock. Noise levels are determined by individual birds & vary greatly within each breed. Bribe neighbors with spare eggs.

Quote: Easter Eggers, barred rocks, orpingtons, cochins & several others come in both large fowl & bantam.

Quote: Cochins are a good choice as well & are usually pretty docile. I love their fluffy butts & feathered legs.

Quote: Sebrights are so strikingly different in appearance from other birds that they make a great conversation & show piece when added to any flock. They are mostly there for decoration. They are tiny but can fend well for themselves even when mixed with larger birds.

Quote: Didn't you know chickens CAN talk.

Your 2 are perfect examples of the wide range of personalities possible in any breed. It's all trial & error finding birds that are compatible with you & each other.

Quote: That's what my 4'10" aunt does. Capris are perfect length to make "long" pants for her. Glad your aunt & everyone else made it out ok.

 

[heatherscooby77]

I would love to see pics of your painted coop! and your chicks too!

As I am very new to all of this..............ie Backyard Chickens forum and have never raised a chicken.................I am wondering if folks might share some ideas about the best first chicken for me to raise.

I was thinking bantams............since they are small in size............and I just thought maybe 2-3 birds to see how it goes...............

Which bantam would you recommend and why?
if not a bantam----what breed would you recommend and why?

I am building the coop over the next few weeks....................and have read a lot. That's where I am at with this whole thing!

Lisa, I highly recommend Bantam Cochins!!! They are one of the larger bantams. They have great personalities, they are great with kids, they are so darn cute! I love just to see them walk! They have fully feathered legs. They come in all different kinds of colors, frizzles are also an option. I really can't say anything bad about them (to be pets). Now if you are thinking of breeding/showing they do have some challenges. If you are interested in those reasons, let me know!

 

[heatherscooby77]

I have a broody, that followed through and hatched her eggs! It is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

 

[BirdbyGavin1103]

I have a broody, that followed through and hatched her eggs! It is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

That's so darn cute!!

 

[Lilbrownie]

wow what a great and thorough answer!
1.  I would like some eggs and pets.............I am just one person so I don't need tons of eggs
2.  How do small eggs taste?    I think small eggs and smaller costs sounds better----but I have no experience
3.  Not sure as I am just starting..............guessing keeping the bird for 4-5 years
4.  I don't need fancy----but some of the chickens just look plain ole ugly-----I don't want that...............I  like the barred rock bantams and the easter eggers .........in appearance and what people say about them............I would like a friendly cuddly chicken............I don't want a noisy chicken as I am not sure how the neighbors will react.      

I think generally a fun project ,  with some not tons-------of  eggs,  and a friendly pet.................a diversional fun friendly animal to care for----------

Lisa, I highly recommend Bantam Cochins!!!  They are one of the larger bantams.  They have great personalities, they are great with kids, they are so darn cute!  I love just to see them walk!  They have fully feathered legs.  They come in all different kinds of colors, frizzles are also an option.  I really can't say anything bad about them (to be pets).  Now if you are thinking of breeding/showing they do have some challenges.  If you are interested in those reasons, let me know!

Totally agree with Heather, bantam Cochins are great and their eggs are small but not as small as some takes 2 eggs to make one large! They have the best temper and love people and kids!

Heather, they are adorable!! Love them little fluffy guys!

 

[Blarneyeggs]

I have a broody, that followed through and hatched her eggs! It is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Heather! Cuteness overload!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I have a broody, that followed through and hatched her eggs! It is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

yay! good girl!!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Still no springer puppies yet! Daisy is starting to dig in my couch and trying to get under my claw foot tub so it shouldn't be too long. I am excited and worried!

I don't want a stressful event like my other springers birthing : (

 

[AUNT KAT]

How much did you pay? I was just wondering what the going cost is just in case I can't work up the nerve to do it myself.

I was paying this guy in Bethel $1.50 per chicken. I would drop them off the night before, and he would tell me a time to pick up, and I would go get them in a cooler, and bring them home and wrap them myself. And I know what you mean. The only ones I can remotely stand to do are ones that bite me. LOL!!!

i forget what Walter Nolt charges but I think it's about $1.40/per bird.

That isn't bad at all!!

I would love to see your chicks! Where are you located? I am in Wayne -Lisa

Lisa, I got hatching eggs from Blarney and they are just the most awesome chicks ever!!! Go see her!!!

 

[sharron]

Still no springer puppies yet! Daisy is starting to dig in my couch and trying to get under my claw foot tub so it shouldn't be too long. I am excited and worried!

I don't want a stressful event like my other springers birthing : (

, sometimes its harder on us than them, thank goodness i knew my vets private phone number and where he lived if i had a problem and he was always willing to me at the office for c sections