Share info on these breeds

[catterbug]

We are getting baby chicks for the first time this spring. We are thinking about getting 2 Americaunas, 2 Welsummers and 2 Buff Orpingtons. We have 2 kids that are 3 and 5 so we are looking for friendly chickens that are good egg layers. We are ordering them and these are what the hatchery has available on the day we want to pick up. Is this a good choice? We like the Americaunas since they lay colored eggs. We thought they would be fun for the kids. These seem to be bigger birds so will that mean that they will eat more? We also like the Golden Brahmas but they aren't available that day. Will having bigger birds be more difficult for someone just starting out?

 

[speckledhen]

Welsummers are calm birds, but mine were never actually friendly. My friendliest hens are the Barred Plymouth Rocks and the true Ameraucanas (hatchery birds are Easter Eggers, not Ameraucanas--I have both, though) and the Delawares. I have Buff Orpingtons but they aren't the cuddle bugs that most folks seem to have. If you get EEs, they may not lay blue or green eggs, being crossbred birds. Some actually lay brown. You'd have to get a true Ameraucana to be sure you'd get blue or green-blue eggs.

The only eating machine I have is a Speckled Sussex. Even the giant blue Orpingtons aren't huge eaters.

My Lt. Brahma is a good bit larger than my Buff Brahma--the Buffs tend to be slightly smaller, so are not really larger than most Orpingtons.

 

[Illia]

Having bigger birds won't be a problem, however if you're getting hatchery stock (which I assume you are, as Ameraucana doesn't have an i.

) your Brahmas really won't be big at all.

Easter Eggers (not true Ameraucanas - Feedstores and hatcheries don't sell those) can really vary. Since they're crossbred, they can have quite a diverse personality and hardiness.

 

[catterbug]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am so excited yet so nervous about getting chickens. We live in suburbia on a little less than an acre but thought having chickens would be fun. We are hoping to get some land in the near future.

 

[chicmom]

Hello! I have Ameraucanas (They are truly Easter Eggers if they're from the hatchery), and they are just beautiful and sooooo friendly. I also have buff orps, and they're a little bit shy, but still a nice chicken--not mean or anything.

I think the key thing is to handle them alot, and they'll get very used to you. That's what makes them friendly in my humble opinion....and consider a speckled sussex if you get the chance. I have one and she's such a sweetie!

Sincerely,
Sharon

 

[Freeholder]

You have to keep in mind that chickens, while they can vary in temperament, are never going to be as affectionate as a dog or pet cat. They may learn to hop up on your lap or your shoulder, indicating a degree of trust, but they do not have the capability for love and affection -- I hate to see people anthropomorphize (ha, is that a word, LOL!) their livestock. Learn what they *are* and enjoy them for what they *are*, without trying to make them into something that they aren't and can't be.

Kathleen