Picking A Bird

[Welshies]

So I have had chickens (currently do), ducks, and quail.
I love my chickens but want another type of bird.
We live in Alberta, so we do get snow, but i can use heat lamps.
I have one chicken coop, and another coop that is 48 sq ft, 4 feet tall. It has a 100 sq ft run area under a three sided run-in shed, so shelter from wind and snow. Then there's a gate that connects to my main chicken run area (about 400 sq ft or so, going to be expanded this summer to be 600 square feet). The fencs itself is just under 5' tall.
My chickens are content to remain in their run area which includes area under the run-in shed.
As far as I know blackhead is not an issue in my area
I am looking for a bird that will be in demand for selling fertile eggs and chicks- my chickens already serve as egg layers and meat birds. However, I may want to expand my second flock later on or eat some individuals. We are a family of 7.
I have had and reconsidered ducks but as much as I loved them they were just too messy. Too wet. I have not had muscovies.
I have had guinea fowl- nope, I hated them!
I have had quail, and I absolutely LOVED them. I would love to have them again (my last ones got eaten by a fox), but they are hard to keep in large flocks (due to how little they are). Thinking ahead I also see little use for them, because they make such a tiny meal, and their eggs are so tiny. They're hard to get in my area as much as I loved them. They are sorta what is keeping me back from making a definite decision!
I am considering turkeys but their size holds me back. I am not sure they would be super self sufficient or that my coop is tall enough I'm not sure that I would find them low maintenence to keep with their love of flight and size.
I don't want geese, and there's no peacocks in the area.
So... any suggestions? We can buy either chicks or adult birds! We plan to purchase them in February or mid March and hope they hatch babies in June or July.

 

[Zoomie]

In your shoes I would try and find out what is popular in your area. What do people want? Is there a Facebook page or something for your city/area where people discuss poultry? What about hatcheries: which breeds do they sell out of quickest in your area?

I know that you have the Chantecler chicken there, and these are touted to be very cold hardy, good egg layers and big enough for the table. What about those?

In the long run, YOU have to like the chickens you raise. That's what will get you up on those mornings when it's really cold outside, snowing, blowing, and miserable. If you just can't wait to see them, and hurry to get your boots on, you'll have a lot more fun raising them. Sounds like a fun project, good luck!

 

[Welshies]

In your shoes I would try and find out what is popular in your area. What do people want? Is there a Facebook page or something for your city/area where people discuss poultry? What about hatcheries: which breeds do they sell out of quickest in your area?

I know that you have the Chantecler chicken there, and these are touted to be very cold hardy, good egg layers and big enough for the table. What about those?

In the long run, YOU have to like the chickens you raise. That's what will get you up on those mornings when it's really cold outside, snowing, blowing, and miserable. If you just can't wait to see them, and hurry to get your boots on, you'll have a lot more fun raising them. Sounds like a fun project, good luck!

Ah I love my chickens, I would just love another breed or species!
No reputable hatcheries ship to my area (northern Alberta). US hogs all those hatcheries!!!
Chanteclers are very unpopular here surprisingly, I have never come across one or one being sold.

 

[red horse ranch]

I'm sorry that you didn't like guineas. I've been raising them for years with my chickens and I love the fact that they are real characters. Not always lovable but always interesting to have around.

 

[Welshies]

I'm sorry that you didn't like guineas. I've been raising them for years with my chickens and I love the fact that they are real characters. Not always lovable but always interesting to have around.

I just found them too unpredictable. Perhaps when I have a better set up I will try again.

 

[chickens really]

Ah I love my chickens, I would just love another breed or species!
No reputable hatcheries ship to my area (northern Alberta). US hogs all those hatcheries!!!
Chanteclers are very unpopular here surprisingly, I have never come across one or one being sold.

Rochester Hatchery should ship to you?..

 

[aart]

Duplicate thread here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flock-addition-quail-or-turkeys.1213655/

 

[Welshies]

Rochester Hatchery should ship to you?..

A lot of hatcheries my way don't have much selection. Hatcheries here are also really expensive ($100+ for shipping.)

 

[chickens really]

A lot of hatcheries my way don't have much selection. Hatcheries here are also really expensive ($100+ for shipping.)

I order from Rochester..Your in Alberta too..

 

[Welshies]

I order from Rochester..Your in Alberta too..

As I said I order locally. I have never ordered birds in as it's expensive and I don't want to. Their selection of dual purpose chickens never met my needs so I never ordered from them.
On top of that I do not want baby birds. Turkey poults are fragile, I am looking for a mating pair of whatever bird I decide on then letting them hatch out and brood their own eggs.