- Jan 4, 2014
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I am New to raising chickens and am starting a new flock, and have a few questions.
1) What breed(s) should I get.
Preferred traits
Friendly birds that like children.
Quiet brids - won't be too loud and disturb the neighbors.
Nice Egg production - of course - but not excessive, just for us and possibly extended family.
Garden scratchers - would be nice to have them work in our garden during the non-growing season.
Not big eaters - Don't want them to cost more in feed than they are producing.
I was thinking of getting the following:
Almost certainly:
Silkies (Daughter is really wanting one, -do we need more than one? how many?)
Buff Orphingtons
Perhaps:
Sex Link: Red Stars, Black Stars, etc.
Australorp
Delaware
Americaunas
Easter Eggers
Golden Comet - don't know much about them
I had about decided on Silkies and Buff Orphingtons and Red Stars, but heard the Red Stars may not be too nice to other hens. I know both the Silkies and Buff Orphingtons are docile and I don't want to get hens that will be overbearing with them. Especially the silkies.
We need about 3 eggs a day. Should I stick with just the Silkies and Buff Orphingtons or add one more breed to my flock?
How many of each breed?
Do you have Silkies with other breeds? Are they bullied?
Most, if not all, of these chickens will be pets and garden workers, even when they stop laying. I don't think they will ever see a boiling pot. At least that is how I feel right now.
Oh I forgot to mention, I live in Alabama, so we have hot summers. Winters are milder than up north, but we do have some freezing weather.
1) What breed(s) should I get.
Preferred traits
Friendly birds that like children.
Quiet brids - won't be too loud and disturb the neighbors.
Nice Egg production - of course - but not excessive, just for us and possibly extended family.
Garden scratchers - would be nice to have them work in our garden during the non-growing season.
Not big eaters - Don't want them to cost more in feed than they are producing.
I was thinking of getting the following:
Almost certainly:
Silkies (Daughter is really wanting one, -do we need more than one? how many?)
Buff Orphingtons
Perhaps:
Sex Link: Red Stars, Black Stars, etc.
Australorp
Delaware
Americaunas
Easter Eggers
Golden Comet - don't know much about them
I had about decided on Silkies and Buff Orphingtons and Red Stars, but heard the Red Stars may not be too nice to other hens. I know both the Silkies and Buff Orphingtons are docile and I don't want to get hens that will be overbearing with them. Especially the silkies.
We need about 3 eggs a day. Should I stick with just the Silkies and Buff Orphingtons or add one more breed to my flock?
How many of each breed?
Do you have Silkies with other breeds? Are they bullied?
Most, if not all, of these chickens will be pets and garden workers, even when they stop laying. I don't think they will ever see a boiling pot. At least that is how I feel right now.
Oh I forgot to mention, I live in Alabama, so we have hot summers. Winters are milder than up north, but we do have some freezing weather.
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