Prepping for self sufficiency as it involves Chickens (aka prepper)

[SA Farm]

here is one solution for shelter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jBVWl2v7KA

I think I will have one nest box mounted outside for each hen inside.
The Natural Chicken keeping thread on this site mentions using golf balls to force broodiness in hens, that is why I will need so many nests.
Hardwear Cloth to keep out racoon's paws.
I will be able to move this to fresh grass daily and in that way have less need for medication.
I must think of a way to keep coyote(s) from digging in and yet still have it portable.
The temperature in Kansas City area is below 10 degrees F in January so keeping water liquid without electricity will be a challenge, please give me your thoughts.

A few thoughts on the water situation: Paint the water container black for sunny days, make sure the chickens have access to snow if you have it (they will eat snow as a source of water), bring the waterer in at night to thaw then return to chickens in the morning (I do this now).
Great thread btw, I'm also working toward self-sufficiency.

 

[ocap]

I found this article that is helpful:

http://www.survivalboards.com/2012-11-06/best-chicken-breed-for-shtf/

I have one of the authors breeds ordered

Good article !

 

[Kilsharion]

I have one of the authors breeds ordered

Good article !

I have two...funny.

I find it fascinating that he fails to mention the Dorking. Particularly when he goes into detail about the fact that personality would play a significant role in his choice, along with a full dual purpose role. Maybe because Dorkings aren't well known, and certainly not seen in Texas much?

They handle heat and cold well, are excellent foragers, handle confinement well, are some of the sweetest birds both to each other and those around them, are larger birds and are renown for their ability to raise their own chicks successfully. They lay a bit less than most dual purpose; but, when you get a solid bird like that out of the deal, I can handle a few less eggs a year.

Oh...and by "larger birds"...this is the size of today's Dorkings...

Cock: 9 - 14 pounds
Hen: 7 - 10 pounds

 

[Spifflove]

I have been hearing alot about the Dorking, including consistently placing in the top 3 heritage breeds for taste.

Hendersons chart lists their average weight as 6.5 lbs, however. Although private breeders are known to produce giant versions of their breeds. No info on their breast characteristics.

 

[Kilsharion]

I have been hearing alot about the Dorking, including consistently placing in the top 3 heritage breeds for taste.

Hendersons chart lists their average weight as 6.5 lbs, however. Although private breeders are known to produce giant versions of their breeds. No info on their breast characteristics.

It's a shame that they are getting to be so small, particularly when you read older documentation on the breed and see that they were rivaling the size of small turkeys at one point.

Matter of fact - American Dorkings are smaller than British Dorkings

I believe even the SOP is different for weights between the two. One reason I'm working on all the caca you have to go through to get some British Dorkings over here to add to my lines. Trying to get the weight back up. So far as breast characteristics, you should be able to find that easily with a google search. They are rectangular birds with broad breads and succulent meat. They were once all the rage and sought after about the same as the Bresse are, today.

However, not sure about that list - but, the standards require the bird to be quite a bit heavier than 6.5 pounds...hatchery birds are a whole other story since you have no idea what they've been mixed with.

 

[Spifflove]

The Bresse? Lol a red white and blue chicken who would have thunk? Im in chicken overload!

 

[jdeoliveira74]

I have the basque hens supposed to be a great gourmet bird... will see
Jon

 

[ocap]

Duane Urch might have Dorkings

 

[Kilsharion]

Duane Urch might have Dorkings

He does. The Silver Greys.

I have the basque hens supposed to be a great gourmet bird... will see
Jon

Friend of mine down the road just put a load of Bresse eggs on from Greenfire. I'm looking forward to hearing more input on the breed.

 

[Glory Bee]

Can anyone describe the buckeye rooster aggression level toward people? Is this your first flock?Harvey Ussery has a good book called "The Small-Scale Poultry Flock'. He discusses some breeds and management ideas. The book is available on Amazon.com.