Starting a Backyard Flock

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peepers

peepers

In the Brooder
11 Years
Apr 15, 2008
16
0
22
Northern Ca
Hello,
I am looking to getting 2-3 chickens to have as pets(also for eggs). I REALLY like Silkies however I want to start with chicks and don't want to take the chance of getting roosters(I adopt four chicks a few years back and they all turned out to be Roos). I can't have roosters in my city only hens. I want a friendly, mellow chicken. What breeds would you recommend(I want a breed that can be sexed as chicks, too lessen the chance of getting Roos)? I plan on getting this coop(http://www.frugah.com/78-Deluxe-Wooden-Chicken-Coop-p/d3-0017.htm?CartID=1). They can be free range a few hours a day, I may even bring them indoors once in a while(with diapers,as crazy as that sounds). I am looking for where to buy chicks in the SF Bay Area(CA). Thanks.
Kat
 
For a really mellow, calm, friendly breed, you might look into salmon faverolles. They're very good layers of cream eggs, and are super fluffy and docile. They also have five toes like silkies. Plus, as a bonus, the males and females feather in completely differently so you'd be able to tell early on if there was a sexing mistake. Orpingtons and brahmas are also very friendly breeds.

For guaranteed hens go with sex links, even though they aren't quite as docile, if roosters are going to be a big problem. Chicks can be sexed incorrectly and then you have a roo anyway. Sex links are the only way to make sure you get girls.
 
welcome-byc.gif
 
Greetings from Kansas, peppers, and
welcome-byc.gif
! Great to have you here! With lots of time and patience I think there are lots of breeds that can be friendly...although some breeds are certainly more mellow than others. I would avoid the Mediterranean class breeds...Leghorns, Anconas, and the like. They seem to have a little inherent skittishness about them. Below is a chart that compares many breeds by their attributes. Good luck and have fun in your search!

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

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