Preparing for chicks

[Wannabe_homesteader]

Hi all! Trying to do a little research before purchasing chicks. I'm new to layers so I Just have some questions!
•what are some good cold weather hardy breeds ? That are also docile/ friendly with kids
•when do you start letting them free range?
•How can you protect the flock from predators once they are free ranging?
•if you are not planning on hatching chicks what are the benefits of having a rooster? And do they help protect against predators?

Thanks in advance! Any suggestions/ advice welcome

 

[sasquautch]

Hi There!
For good breeds I would say Speckled Sussex, Buckeyes, and Barnevelders. We have all 3 and love them, although the Buckeyes are often picked on by our other birds.
We let them free range once they have full feathers.
Protecting your birds when their free ranging is tough, but I would recommend getting a Peck and Play or make your own out of PVC.
Roosters are GREAT for protecting their hens, just make sure they work with them when they're younger!

 

[Wannabe_homesteader]

Hi There!
For good breeds I would say Speckled Sussex, Buckeyes, and Barnevelders. We have all 3 and love them, although the Buckeyes are often picked on by our other birds.
We let them free range once they have full feathers.
Protecting your birds when their free ranging is tough, but I would recommend getting a Peck and Play or make your own out of PVC.
Roosters are GREAT for protecting their hens, just make sure they work with them when they're younger!

Thank you for your input! Once they are free ranging will they be able to find enough food? Or do I still need to supply feed ? And I assume they won't need grit or should I still supply that for them? So many things to learn! Lol

 

[red horse ranch]

Thank you for your input! Once they are free ranging will they be able to find enough food? Or do I still need to supply feed ? And I assume they won't need grit or should I still supply that for them? So many things to learn! Lol

Of course you have to feed them! My poultry has access to food 24-7 even tho they free range. In the summer when there are bugs and grass they will eat less food but they still need the nutrients in a good layer or all flock feed. And layers need access to oyster shell when they are laying. If they are free ranging they will probably find enough grit on the ground.

I would highly recommend a good rooster if you are allowed to have one. But if you plan to hatch chicks be prepared for chicken math. My flock has exploded from 3 chickens to more than 50 birds!

 

[Wannabe_homesteader]

Of course you have to feed them! My poultry has access to food 24-7 even tho they free range. In the summer when there are bugs and grass they will eat less food but they still need the nutrients in a good layer or all flock feed. And layers need access to oyster shell when they are laying. If they are free ranging they will probably find enough grit on the ground.

I would highly recommend a good rooster if you are allowed to have one. But if you plan to hatch chicks be prepared for chicken math. My flock has exploded from 3 chickens to more than 50 birds!

Thank you! Do you have a mixed flock or all one breed? Or do you prefer one way over the other?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, and barred rocks are hardy birds. That’s what I had and I lived in ohio where it’s cold a lot

 

[PirateGirl]

I highly recommend picking up a copy of the book Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens. It is worth every penny and great to have on hand. It talks about raising, feeding, breeding, housing, diseases and anything else you can think of chicken related and is formatted in a way that it is easy to find the specific info you are looking for at any given time without necessarily reading the whole book at once.

 

[red horse ranch]

Thank you! Do you have a mixed flock or all one breed? Or do you prefer one way over the other?

I have a mixed flock with probably 20 different breeds. I like variety. And I like to be able to tell them apart since I name most of my birds. I also have 11 guineas and a pair of peafowl.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

I highly recommend picking up a copy of the book Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens. It is worth every penny and great to have on hand. It talks about raising, feeding, breeding, housing, diseases and anything else you can think of chicken related and is formatted in a way that it is easy to find the specific info you are looking for at any given time without necessarily reading the whole book at once.

Yes. That book is amazing!!!!! I read it and instantly Felt like I knew everything about chickens

 

[misssassyandthechicks]

Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, and barred rocks are hardy birds. That’s what I had and I lived in ohio where it’s cold a lot

^This! I second it. I live in Utah, where it's COLD a lot of the year unfortunately and we have terrible winters. I just got a barred rock, rhode island red, buff orpington, and black sex link. They are great layers, really cold hardy, and are some of the friendlier breeds. Good luck and enjoy!