Should I try raising chicks?

[ILoveDaffy]

Okay, so, I have three six month old hens, that seem to be almost laying, and my family doesn't want to get more chickens, at least, not until these hens have layed. I want chicks, but we are in a place where we can't have roosters. I really want chicks, but can't raise my own. So next spring, (if these darn hens ever start laying) should I try to convince my family to get chicks?

 

[sourland]

If you find that you need more chickens/eggs, you could always buy sex link pullet chicks in the spring.

 

[ILoveDaffy]

Good idea

 

[HappyClucker7]

Okay, so, I have three six month old hens, that seem to be almost laying, and my family doesn't want to get more chickens, at least, not until these hens have layed. I want chicks, but we are in a place where we can't have roosters. I really want chicks, but can't raise my own. So next spring, (if these darn hens ever start laying) should I try to convince my family to get chicks?

Are these chickens pets, or just for eggs?

 

[ILoveDaffy]

They are mostly pets to my sisters and I, but my parents just want eggs

 

[HappyClucker7]

They are mostly pets to my sisters and I, but my parents just want eggs

If they are pets, Red sex-links are probably not the best option. They don't live very long. There are other breeds that do live longer though, and you can tell what gender they are from their color. Barred Plymouth Rocks, Rhodebars, and Legbars are some good breeds.

 

[ILoveDaffy]

We already have 2 Buff Orps, and 1 Delaware, so we would theoretically need a breed compatible with those.

 

[ILoveBabySilkies]

We already have 2 Buff Orps, and 1 Delaware, so we would theoretically need a breed compatible with those.

Barred rocks are good layers and are the same size as those so they are a good compatibility breed. Rhode Island Reds are also very good layers and the same size, although they have a knack for being mean(this does not mean your RIR will be mean it’s just a heads up). Leghorns are extremely well layers and a nice white!

 

[ILoveDaffy]

Hmmm, so many choices...

 

[ILoveBabySilkies]

Hmmm, so many choices...

At the end of the day it’s a personal choice, really any Large fowl breed is compatible. Good luck choosing!