putting together the shortlist

[3xhhheather]

Hey all - hoping this is the right spot to post! I've done some research, added every single bird I wanted to the cart and now I'm cutting down the team. My partner is asking I try to keep it to around 6. I started with a large list and have narrowed it down to 10, ordering from Meyer Hatchery. I've ordered ducks & geese through Metzer before and have not had any losses, but my thought with chicks is to maybe order up just in case? I'm already feeling the chicken math (currently suffering from a horrible case of duck math), so I get why he's asking to stay around 6

Anywho, here's the list - anything I'm missing? Or is everything honky dory? For reference, I'm in central NC (7B) and everyone will be free-ranging away from the ducks & geese. Thanks in advance!

Golden Laced Wyandotte
Speckled Sussex
Blue Copper Maran
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Barnevelder
Easter Egger
Green Queen
Ameraucana
Welsummer
Black Copper Maran

 

[WindingRoad]

Hey all - hoping this is the right spot to post! I've done some research, added every single bird I wanted to the cart and now I'm cutting down the team. My partner is asking I try to keep it to around 6. I started with a large list and have narrowed it down to 10, ordering from Meyer Hatchery. I've ordered ducks & geese through Metzer before and have not had any losses, but my thought with chicks is to maybe order up just in case? I'm already feeling the chicken math (currently suffering from a horrible case of duck math), so I get why he's asking to stay around 6

Anywho, here's the list - anything I'm missing? Or is everything honky dory? For reference, I'm in central NC (7B) and everyone will be free-ranging away from the ducks & geese. Thanks in advance!

Golden Laced Wyandotte
Speckled Sussex
Blue Copper Maran
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Barnevelder
Easter Egger
Green Queen
Ameraucana
Welsummer
Black Copper Maran

What are your goals. Eggs, pets, breeding, etc. Those things weight heavy on selections.

 

[3xhhheather]

What are your goals. Eggs, pets, breeding, etc. Those things weight heavy on selections.

They'll be pets, but eggs are a nice bonus, I'm going through 1-2doz a week right now. The number one goal is to help make and turn compost for my large-ish garden. This first batch of hens is to see how chickens will fit into our little homestead.

 

[Phoenixxx]

The only one I have experience with out of that list are easter-eggers, both from Ameraucana and Aracauna. Both are excellent foragers. The best I have, though, are my Icelandics, my pure Aracaunas and my "Vikings" (Norwegian Jaerhon/Icelandic cross); these ones all fly out of the coop/pens once the doors are open and essentially "go wild" all day long, and only visit the feeders to top up at the end of the day when they come back in. The Icelandics, though, are far from tame: even though I raised them all from chicks, they freak out whenever I'm around. The "Vikings" are much calmer, as are the Aracauna.

 

[HaikuHeritageFarm]

Well you're obviously missing Houdans, Leghorns and Legbars.

 

[halefamily_flock]

The Welsummers I got from Cackle have been amazing producers with beautiful dark brown/red eggs, most with speckles. I love their chatter, it sounds like I'm being serenaded by a lightly playing jazz trumpet. Speckled Sussex are beautiful & sassy, very curious and friendly, laying quite large eggs (xl, bordering on jumbo). I don't have personal experience with any of the others on your list.

 

[WallyG74]

We’re not making this any easier for you, I’m sure. From your list I only have Easter Eggers. They have a great temperament and add color to your basket!

 

[3xhhheather]

The only one I have experience with out of that list are easter-eggers, both from Ameraucana and Aracauna. Both are excellent foragers. The best I have, though, are my Icelandics, my pure Aracaunas and my "Vikings" (Norwegian Jaerhon/Icelandic cross); these ones all fly out of the coop/pens once the doors are open and essentially "go wild" all day long, and only visit the feeders to top up at the end of the day when they come back in. The Icelandics, though, are far from tame: even though I raised them all from chicks, they freak out whenever I'm around. The "Vikings" are much calmer, as are the Aracauna.

That's good to know about the 'wild' aspect of them. I didn't read too much about that & while active foraging is A+ for me, I would like for everyone to be kind of calm if I'm walking around.

 

[3xhhheather]

Well you're obviously missing Houdans, Leghorns and Legbars.

I had all 3 of those in the first round cart maybe I should add them back in?? gah I just want all the chickens!

 

[3xhhheather]

The Welsummers I got from Cackle have been amazing producers with beautiful dark brown/red eggs, most with speckles. I love their chatter, it sounds like I'm being serenaded by a lightly playing jazz trumpet. Speckled Sussex are beautiful & sassy, very curious and friendly, laying quite large eggs (xl, bordering on jumbo). I don't have personal experience with any of the others on your list.

Ah that sounds so lovely! Both of those are on my 'must haves', super beautiful to me & sassiness is appreciated in this house lol