Picking out chicks - Can you tell personality?

[FaithM]

Even with the smaller type eggs (which are still delicious) I don't regret getting silkies for one second!! I wouldn't trade mine for anything!! Its just a matter of what YOU want and like and want. For me it wasn't so much about the eggs(although a few of my silkies kept up with the best of them when it came to laying) it was more about having a gentle pet with good temperment. I have heard some say their Silkies have been opposite of that but I've been fortunate with the flocks I've had they have all been very gentle and loving. Just decide what's important to you and reasearch the breeds. Then get what you feel will fit YOU and your family best. Everyone has different taste. What fit my family best was silkies. Just determine what's important to YOU then do some research on the breed then go for it!! I'm sure you will enjoy which ever breed you choose. I wish you the best of luck!! Do you know when you will be getting your flock?

Thanks! Silkies sound like a wonderful breed. I think I'll get at least two. I'm planning on getting my flock sometime in the spring. I'm not exactly sure which month, but whenever we're ready with the brooder and coop.

 

[realsis]

That's great!! show us some pictures when you get them!! That will be fun!

 

[stonecoldchey]

Will you post pics when you get them? I would love to see them.=)

 

[FaithM]

Will you post pics when you get them? I would love to see them.=)

Of course!

 

[stonecoldchey]

Thanks

 

[TXchickmum]

Our first three chicks were picked from a bin at the feed store (same hatch). We purposely chose one that was running about (even leaping over the other chicks) and being very active. She is now our lead hen. She has been a very dominant personality from a few days old. I definitely think that some display certain traits early. I simply look for alert chicks that are scratching around and seem active.

 

[Araucana16]

I, too, picked 3 chicks.

August was a pretty normal little chickie, just doing her thing, not overly active or docile.
She grew up to be a very indifferent hen. She would sometimes attempt to escape attention, but only if she felt like it. Mostly, she tolerated whatever you wanted to do with her. I don't think she was ever an "affectionate" hen though.

Clover was a firecracker as a chick! Never stopped moving or being loud and (forgive me Clover darling) rather obnoxious.

As an adult, Clover certainly changed. She was still active and opinionated, so, unlike August, Clover never tolerated a thing. Either she wanted you to do that to her, so she let you, or she didn't, so, uh, no. That being said, she was certainly in charge, and to a point, Clover was very sweet. She let you hold her and cuddle her and seemed to rather enjoy it. She rarely sought attention but never fought it.

Lilac was a very docile, calm chick. Didn't really move around a lot or stand out.
She stayed about like that, just got more nervous as an adult. Lilac, you easily tell, was pretty much scared of everything on a scale of - "Not completely comfortable, but August and Clover are doing it and I think it'll be okay, so lets do this!" to "Nope, nope, going home to sleep on top of the fridge on the porch, nope." She was sweet and loved to be held and noticed. Certainly the type of chicken to seek attention.​

 

[FaithM]

Our first three chicks were picked from a bin at the feed store (same hatch). We purposely chose one that was running about (even leaping over the other chicks) and being very active. She is now our lead hen. She has been a very dominant personality from a few days old. I definitely think that some display certain traits early. I simply look for alert chicks that are scratching around and seem active.

I, too, picked 3 chicks.

August was a pretty normal little chickie, just doing her thing, not overly active or docile.
She grew up to be a very indifferent hen. She would sometimes attempt to escape attention, but only if she felt like it. Mostly, she tolerated whatever you wanted to do with her. I don't think she was ever an "affectionate" hen though.

Clover was a firecracker as a chick! Never stopped moving or being loud and (forgive me Clover darling) rather obnoxious.

As an adult, Clover certainly changed. She was still active and opinionated, so, unlike August, Clover never tolerated a thing. Either she wanted you to do that to her, so she let you, or she didn't, so, uh, no. That being said, she was certainly in charge, and to a point, Clover was very sweet. She let you hold her and cuddle her and seemed to rather enjoy it. She rarely sought attention but never fought it.

Lilac was a very docile, calm chick. Didn't really move around a lot or stand out.
She stayed about like that, just got more nervous as an adult. Lilac, you easily tell, was pretty much scared of everything on a scale of - "Not completely comfortable, but August and Clover are doing it and I think it'll be okay, so lets do this!" to "Nope, nope, going home to sleep on top of the fridge on the porch, nope." She was sweet and loved to be held and noticed. Certainly the type of chicken to seek attention.​

Interesting.. So it sounds like chicks' personalities can change a lot.. I think I'll just look for the chicks that seem active, like TXchickmum said. Thanks!

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I strongly suggest buff orpintons! They are my friendliest chickens and follow me around like dogs. I've heard silkies make great pets, I SO want one!!!

 

[FaithM]

I strongly suggest buff orpintons! They are my friendliest chickens and follow me around like dogs. I've heard silkies make great pets, I SO want one!!!

I'll think about the Orpingtons! My local feed store will have them in the spring so they'll be right there!