Small flock considerations

[n-da-woods]

Hello and

from NC

 

[Chicken Woman]

Have you considered Dorkings ?

 

[writerdeman]

Crazylady,
Thanks. I did use the search before I asked, but didn't come up with anything. However, I am finding on the net that others recommend 1/10 ratio. I think that's probably about right. Thanks for you help.

 

[joedie]

from Indiana! I was looking for basically the same things and ended up with RIR, BO,
Sliver Wyandottes, Australorps, and Black Stars. I like them all.

 

[BCMominMD]

Hello and welcome!

I posted not long ago asking if one roo to 7 hens was OK. The basic consensus was that would be fine.
I'm somewhat new to this too. Have learned everything here on BYC
Good luck. Have fun.

 

[KattyKillFish]

hello and

from Dillingham Alaska!

i would recommend you buy from the Randall Burkey Company though, they have better prices on alot more breeds to choose from. to get pictures and a list of all their breeds you would have to get a catalog from them though.

and i would go for the Silver leghorns or the wyandotte's they are both very great birds!

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

Welcome!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to this forum.

I'm not sure the Dominique or Wyandotte can fly well enough to do what you want. For your criteria, I'd look at the Meditterranean breeds or maybe some of the game breeds. The comb does complicate it some.

This link might be of interest to you. It talks about keeping true to a breed. This can get very complicated fast. You might do a search on genetics here to get some interesting hits.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=172633

As far as the rooster to hen ratio, it will depend upon the individual rooster. The 1 to 10 ratio is primarily to assure that all the eggs will be fertile. Many breeders keep 1 rooster in a pen with 1 or 2 hens and do fine. Sometimes with greater ratios, the rooster will select a favorite or two, be over-sexed, and have a rough technique to where he causes damage. You will probably do fine with one rooster for 6 or 7 hens.

 

[KattyKillFish]

you might also want to look into dubbing the birds if you get some with a large comb. i did it with my brown leghorn roo, it really does save them from frostbite. and this is coming from someone living in Alaska!