Spring 2017 first timers post!

[bramblefir]

So I updated my list a bit and I checked a few different hatcheries. There are no blue egg layers anywhere! Or if they have any they dont have the majority of the other chicks I want. I added light Brahma to my list.

My new list is:
1 Dominique
1 Partridge Cochin
1 Light Brahma
2 Black Australorp
1 Speckled Sussex
1 Barred Rock
2 Buff Orpington
1 Gold Laced Wyandotte
1 Silver Laced Wyandotte
Can't get the Easter Eggers or Blue Ameracuna
Maybe a Lavender Orpington

I dont think there is anyplace that will have everything I want. Meyers had all except EE, blue Ameracuna, SS and Dom. Cackle had all except Blue Ameracuna, EE, and Lavender Orp. Has anyone used Cackle?

Columbian Wyandotte were on my list initially so maybe. Are the white rocks a white version of barred rocks?
Like the Salmon Faverolles but cant find them anywhere.

You should be able to get the majority of what you want from Ideal (sans the Ameraucana, Lavender Orp, and Speckled Sussex). Cackle is also a good hatchery to order from. I have chicks and ducklings coming at the end of April from them.

So, in answer to your question about White Rocks:

With chickens a breed is based on the birds shape, also called "type". Each chicken breed is then divided into varieties, which are based on color and comb type. Each variety is further divided down into strains, which are basically the chickens from a particular source. Traits such as egg production, temperament, weight, broodiness, etc. are all dependent on strain (NOT breed or variety).

Plymouth Rocks are a breed. The recognized varieties of Plymouth Rocks are: White, Barred, Partridge, Silver Penciled, Blue, Columbian, and Buff.

In general the White Rocks are bigger and more docile than the Barreds, but again, that can and will vary depending on strain.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Yay! My friend agreed to take my extra chickens that I dont want even if I get a rooster so I can order my chickens anytime now. I was waiting because I wanted 6 to 8 and they have a 15 chick minimum. So now I have to order 15 and I can try any breeds because what ever I dont want/need my friend will take and she doesnt care, she'll take anything. She has a big farm, plenty of space and all kinds of animals so she doesn't sweat the small stuff like adding a handful of chickens

So Im ordering from Meyers and so far I have:

2 Buff Orpingtons
2 Black Australorp
2 Easter Eggers
1 Barred rock
1 Golden Laced Wyandotte
1 Dominique
1 Speckled Sussex
1 Blue Amaraucana
1 Lavender Orpington


Im not sure they even have all these for the date I want so they can be switched out or whatever. Im looking for quiet, docile, color variety in both chickens and their eggs. Hmm, I need a white hen in there. So what do you all suggest? I was thinking of Cochin or Brahma but not sure I want feathered feet. Maybe a light brahma for some white in my flock. Im new to this so I have no idea. Thanks in advance for the suggestions doesnt have to be white just whatever everyone thinks would be a good addition. Oh and I dont want flighty because Im going to free range in the woods and only plan to have a flexible fence to keep them somewhat contained. So I dont want really good flyers if I can avoid it.

P.S. must be cold hardy for Massachusetts' winter

Those are in my order from Myers coming first week of April!

Must. Finish. Coop

Gary

 

[Nksg75]

Merrymouse,
Thank you for the pic. Yes, I have seen those before. I didn't think they were for that part of the roof. I was under the understanding that they go towards the top, not so much the bottom where the birds mouth cut goes.

 

[saguaroskeleton]

Hey guys! While its not quite spring and this isn't really my first flock, its getting warmer here and its my first flock in a couple years, so I hope I'm welcome! I just picked up 5 white Leghorns and a little Wyandotte from the feed store and I'd love to track their progress with everyone else here!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Hey guys! While its not quite spring and this isn't really my first flock, its getting warmer here and its my first flock in a couple years, so I hope I'm welcome! I just picked up 5 white Leghorns and a little Wyandotte from the feed store and I'd love to track their progress with everyone else here!

Welcome to our thread, and welcome to BYC!

Gary

Must. Finish. Coop.

 

[Merrymouse]

Hey guys! While its not quite spring and this isn't really my first flock, its getting warmer here and its my first flock in a couple years, so I hope I'm welcome! I just picked up 5 white Leghorns and a little Wyandotte from the feed store and I'd love to track their progress with everyone else here!

Welcome! I just ordered a wyandotte too.

 

[Merrymouse]

I officially placed my order with Meyers last night. They had no blue egg layers left. I changed up a few because they weren't all available on the same date. I had to add some I never even considered but then again whatever I dont like I can give to my friend. Honestly, I think the hard part will be parting with any of them. But I cannot keep 16, I cannot. My coop will hold max 10 to 11 and I'm new to this an MUST start smaller so I can learn how to manage well. So I'll keep 14.....Just kidding. Im going to try to only keep 8. Heres what I ordered:

1 White Rock
1 Swedish Flower Hen
2 Partridge Cochin
1 Light Brahma
2 Lavender Orpingtons
1 Golden Laced Wyandotte
2 Buff Orpingtons
2 Black Australorps
2 Barred Rocks
1 Barnevelder
1 Meal Maker..

So, What do you all think? Threw some curveballs in there like SFH and Barnevelder. So I ordered 2 BO, 2 BA, 2BR because I really want those breed and I got two in case I lose one to being a cockerel or other mishap. I also got 2 LO because they were different and I hear you cant go wrong with orpingtons. The two PC because I wanted at least one with "pants"

Anyone have any insight to the two curveballs I threw out there (SFH and Barnevelder)?

3/13 hatch date if all goes well.

Now to quote Gary "MUST. FINISH. COOP!"

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I officially placed my order with Meyers last night. They had no blue egg layers left. I changed up a few because they weren't all available on the same date. I had to add some I never even considered but then again whatever I dont like I can give to my friend. Honestly, I think the hard part will be parting with any of them. But I cannot keep 16, I cannot. My coop will hold max 10 to 11 and I'm new to this an MUST start smaller so I can learn how to manage well. So I'll keep 14.....Just kidding. Im going to try to only keep 8. Heres what I ordered:

1 White Rock
1 Swedish Flower Hen
2 Partridge Cochin
1 Light Brahma
2 Lavender Orpingtons
1 Golden Laced Wyandotte
2 Buff Orpingtons
2 Black Australorps
2 Barred Rocks
1 Barnevelder
1 Meal Maker..

So, What do you all think? Threw some curveballs in there like SFH and Barnevelder. So I ordered 2 BO, 2 BA, 2BR because I really want those breed and I got two in case I lose one to being a cockerel or other mishap. I also got 2 LO because they were different and I hear you cant go wrong with orpingtons. The two PC because I wanted at least one with "pants"

Anyone have any insight to the two curveballs I threw out there (SFH and Barnevelder)?

3/13 hatch date if all goes well.

Now to quote Gary "MUST. FINISH. COOP!"

Thats a lot of birds! I am so close to finishing, woke up to rain this morning so likely no progress today. Plus we just took on another project that will take time away from the coop if I do not get it wrapped up soon. I will do a coop page when its done, or mostly done its too slow of progress to post as i go here. You will need a pretty big coop for all those birds! My 7 will be quite spoiled in the setup they are getting.

Must. Finish. Coop!!!

Gary

 

[saguaroskeleton]

I officially placed my order with Meyers last night.  They had no blue egg layers left.  I changed up a few because they weren't all available on the same date.  I had to add some I never even considered but then again whatever I dont like I can give to my friend.  Honestly, I think the hard part will be parting with any of them.  But I cannot keep 16, I cannot.  My coop will hold max 10 to 11 and I'm new to this an MUST start smaller so I can learn how to manage well. So I'll keep 14.....Just kidding.  Im going to try to only keep 8.  Heres what I ordered:

1 White Rock
1 Swedish Flower Hen
2 Partridge Cochin
1 Light Brahma
2 Lavender Orpingtons
1 Golden Laced Wyandotte
2 Buff Orpingtons
2 Black Australorps
2 Barred Rocks
1 Barnevelder
1 Meal Maker..

So, What do you all think?  Threw some curveballs in there like SFH and Barnevelder.  So I ordered 2 BO, 2 BA, 2BR because I really want those breed and I got two in case I lose one to being a cockerel or other mishap.  I also got 2 LO because they were different and I hear you cant go wrong with orpingtons. The two PC because I wanted at least one with "pants"

Anyone have any insight to the two curveballs I threw out there (SFH and Barnevelder)?

3/13 hatch date if all goes well.

Now to quote Gary "MUST. FINISH. COOP!"  

That sounds like a beautiful rainbow flock! I think you'll have a lot of luck having such a variety of girls. As for the SFH, I don't know much about them, but I know they're supposed to be friendly and great layers. I haven't been on the loop of chicken stuff for a few years but I remember reading about them being imported to start lines in the US

 

[Treerooted]

I officially placed my order with Meyers last night. They had no blue egg layers left. I changed up a few because they weren't all available on the same date. I had to add some I never even considered but then again whatever I dont like I can give to my friend. Honestly, I think the hard part will be parting with any of them. But I cannot keep 16, I cannot. My coop will hold max 10 to 11 and I'm new to this an MUST start smaller so I can learn how to manage well. So I'll keep 14.....Just kidding. Im going to try to only keep 8. Heres what I ordered:

1 White Rock
1 Swedish Flower Hen
2 Partridge Cochin
1 Light Brahma
2 Lavender Orpingtons
1 Golden Laced Wyandotte
2 Buff Orpingtons
2 Black Australorps
2 Barred Rocks
1 Barnevelder
1 Meal Maker..

Ya so happy for you! Now we can be Barneveler buddies!!

Anyway, love the mix...and ya it's going to be so hard to choose your 8 I bet!