Rochester, WA and completely new to chickens

[Pattytoo]

I am still in the planning phase, so I haven't purchased any chickens yet. I am currently getting my materials together for the coop and run, and doing research into breeds and care.

There are several free range chicken and duck flocks in our neighborhood, and I'm in a rather rural spot on a nice bit of acreage.

I'm currently pretty sold on getting some Dominiques, but I'd like to find a local breeder (if possible). Failing that, I'd really like feedback about reputable and reliable places to get chicks online. I'm figuring that I'll start with a group of 3-5. I haven't decided on the exact number yet. I am also very up in the air about whether to get one rooster for the group, so that they have a protector when they walk around in the yard during the day.

The personality of the birds matters more than their egg laying, as they will be beloved pets.

I'd love any advice you might have about breeds and reputable breeders/online stores.

Thank you!

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC. Check out Meyer Hatchery or MyPetChicken for Dominiques if you can find a breeder.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I'd say have a look in the Where am I? Where are you! section, find your state thread and ask your local members what is available and where to find them and which breeds are best for your climate etc. There's a great chicken chart you can look at to see which breeds you like and their qualities and egg shell colours etc:

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Have you looked at the Coops section yet? Some great designs there. Enjoy your chicken adventures!

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome from Ohio....so glad you joined us. Cant wait to see pics of your new chickens

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings form Kansas, Pattytoo, and

! Great to have you aboard! X2 on sumi's advice. Best of luck on your Dominque search!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

There should also be a thread on Dominiques in the Breeds section of the Forum

 

[hallerlake]

Welcome from Seattle.The WA state thread is very active and helpful.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Welcome to BYC!!!! Glad you joined.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. You are considering a durable old breed for your flock. Go to "Where am I? Where are you!" and locate the thread for your state. Someone there may be able to help you with a local source of Domiiques.

 

[Chick1043]

from Idaho!