Raising Chickens

[rdresback]

Hello Everyone,
My name is rose. I am wondering what are the best laying hens out there? I am building a chicken coop to hold possibly up to 5 but more likely 3 chickens, which doesn't sound like much but will see. I am clueless about all chicken things but very willing to learn. I'm starting small and see where this will take me. I primarily what chickens for the eggs but how long do they lay eggs? and when they are done laying can I eat them? Is the same laying hen and edible hen? So many questions, but I do have till next spring. Thank you

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. If eggs are your goal, sex links or leghorns are always a good choice. First two years are maximum production years, and some replace birds every two years. Yes, spent hens may be eaten, but are best for soup or stew birds.

 

[MarkJr]

Build your coop 4x5 minimum. 6x6 would be even better for 5. Your run would be 5x10 minimum, 6x12 would be even better.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Orpington breeds, Black Australorps and Buff Orpingtons are wonderful layers, very health hardy, docile and can lay into their 6th year. Both of these breeds are my favs. You might stop by this article in our Learning Center on chicken breeds... https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ide-to-picking-backyard-chicken-breeds.64518/

Good luck establishing your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[N F C]

Hi Rose, it's nice to have you here with us!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Rose, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I thought the same thing. I only want 9 hens and a rooster and I'll eat the hens after 2 years. I now have north of 30 birds and have yet to eat a chicken from my flock.

 

[50-45-1]

Hi Rose,
I'm glad you are preparing and gathering information ahead of time.
If your main goal is eggs, the leghorn is the best layer. These are white egg layers.
they are almost always non broody, (broodieness halts egg production for weeks). consistant layers except for when they are molting.
After 2 years the production will slow but not stop.
There are many colors of mediteranion type chickens to choose from.
Good luck on your chicken journey!
Welcome to the bavkyard!

 

[CrazyChicken360]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! Make yourself at home here.

 

[BlueHorse17]

Welcome to BYC!!