Recommend a breed to a newbie

[Rhawn]

I've been wanting to get a group of backyard chickens for our, well backyard! I want to start with chics so the kids, family and dogs can get used to them. And yes, our dogs will be kept separate and have access to our fenced yard at different times. I'm looking for about 4 to 5 total # of chickens.

I took a look at the online hatcheries stickied post and quickly realized I have no idea what breed I want.

The main purpose would be to farm free ranged eggs. But personality and looks don't hurt either.

My Dad's neighbor claims his chickens produce low-cholesterol eggs, but after some reading, that seems to be a myth.

And now for the super stupid newbie question.... do we need a rooster as well as hens to produce eggs?

As a grown adult, that's just an embarrassing question.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

Get some buff orp hens. They are sweet and tame. No need for a rooster to get eggs.

BTW: welcome to BYC

 

[Rhawn]

Good God man, 7000 posts in under 2 years. How could I not take your advice!

 

[I LOVE COCHINS]

Quote:

I love Cochins myself. Here is a url so you can see pictures.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&rlz=1T4DMUS_en___US202&um=1&sa=1&q=cochins+chickens&aq=f&oq=

Here are some other breeds that I think are a nice too. Brahmas and they come in different colors, light, buff and dark.
Here is a link so you can see pictures of them;

http://images.google.com/images?
sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4DMUS_en___US202&q=brahma%20chickens&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

Ameraucana are nice too. I have never own any myself but my friend has them and they are beautiful too and lay nice eggs. Here's another url

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&rlz=1T4DMUS_en___US202&q=Ameraucana&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

There are no stupid questions, we are here to help and learn too!! You do not need a Rooster in order to have eggs.

 

[noitulover]

Quote:
i second that! they're super gentle and good with kids!

 

[I LOVE COCHINS]

Quote:
Here is a website with pictures of the buff Orpingtons
http://images.google.com/images?hl=...2&q=buff Orpingtons&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

And if you are wanting them for eggs you want to get standard size not bantys

 

[Drivegirl54]

I'm with them.. Buffs are the way to go

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
You won't be free ranging, they'll be foraging. It's a minor distinction to some, but a back yard is hardly free range territory.
For breeds, one of the dual purpose birds is your best bet. Go for a single breed of the brown egg layers - I'd recommend the Rhode Island Red, Australorp/Orpington's or Plymouth Rock in one of it's many varietes. Personally, I would shy away from the exotics or feather footed breeds. What is wanted for the newcomer is a solid, near bullet proof performer.

 

[Rhawn]

Thank you for the clarification. My poor use of the term meant free range vs caged egg eggs like you get from the store. Some healthier free eggs is the goal.

Reading the chick mortality thread, should I expect to lose a chick or more in the process? I know its a possibility, but for example should I buy 6 if I want 5?

 

[Judy]

This site has a breed selector tool that should help. If you plan to mail order them, this hatchery also will sell only a few chicks. Most have a minimum of 25.

It is not unusual to lose a chick, but it doesn't always happen. And sexing is only about 90% accurate, unless you order a sex linked variety.

Good luck!