Straight Run Ordering Question

[lazy gardener]

Thank you for this tip! I knew that lighter-bodied birds like Leghorns tended to be better for warmer climates. Heat is the big issue here - I think I only had to break ice in my horses' water tank about half a dozen times last winter. I'm planning on placing the coop in the shadiest portion of my property and using a fully covered coop/run design with lots of wire for air flow. I'm hoping to make the run portion secure enough to not have to lock them in the coop portion at night.

The only breed on my list that I'm a bit worried about handling the heat is the Buff Orpington. I know people down here who have raised them successfully, but I'm a bit apprehensive. They're so pretty, though, and have such a great reputation for docile personalities, that it's hard to rule them out completely. What do you think?

I can't speak much about southern climates as I'm on the other end of the spectrum. Nor can I speak much about Orpingtons. I am not the least bit fond of them. Just personal preference. From what I saw of a friend's flock of Orps, they were not that great layers, their eggs were on the small side, and they had a huge penchant for going broody. What I can suggest is this: by pass the expensive electrolyte packets you can buy at the feed store and make your own! I had several super hot days when my flocks lytes were definitely off. Mixed up a couple of quarts and they were better within the hour. Simple ingredients: Jello, sugar, salt, baking soda. You can google the recipe.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! It is a very good idea to get a variety of breed types, so you can learn who appeals to you. I had BOs and didn't like them at all; cute but slow, not great layers, and all died young. On the other hand, LOVE the SS; beautiful and interested in humans. The EEs are essential, and the Welsummers are nice too. Here in Michigan I don't do Leghorns, although they would be good in Alabama! I also no longer have sex-links or production reds, as they were pushy and loved to feather peck. Make sure to have the chicks vaccinated for Marek's disease, it's cheap insurance. I would get extra Welsummers too, and you might get a nice cockerel to keep. You will need the coop and run VERY SOON after the babies arrive! Mary

 

[AUChickenGal]

I appreciate all the input! I just wanted to pop back in with an update that the chicks were ordered today from McMurray. The Buff Orpingtons were sold out, so I ended up ordering:
2 Easter Egger pullets
1 Speckled Sussex pullet
1 Barred Rock pullet
1 Silver Laced Wyandotte pullet
3 Welsummers - straight run

My coworker ordered 15 CxR cockerels. We'll also be getting the "free exotic" chick, whatever that might end up being. Our chicks are scheduled to ship on the 26th, and I'm hoping to have my coop and run finished by the middle of October; hopefully that will leave enough buffer room for the inevitable construction delays. I'm crossing my fingers that I get at least one Welsummer pullet. If I only get one cockerel (yeah, right, but stranger things have happened), I will probably keep him (provided he is manageable). They are very attractive roosters, from the information I've been able to find. If there are more than one cockerel and/or any unruly ones, they're likely to end up in the freezer.

I'm so excited now! The 26th feels like it's a lifetime away.

 

[Choco Maran]

I have BO and they are not my favorite bird. Small eggs so far okay layer I have three and get three eggs a day from them. I like the larger eggs because I sell eggs and the small ones are hard to get rid of.

 

[lazy gardener]

I have BO and they are not my favorite bird. Small eggs so far okay layer I have three and get three eggs a day from them. I like the larger eggs because I sell eggs and the small ones are hard to get rid of.

You validate my opinion of that breed.