Hi everyone Im a newbie to the world of raising chickens and this sight is wonderful. I incubated and raised a few americanas last year and now have been bit by the chicken raising fever. My real baby chicks have all flown the coop so Mother Hen needs something to occupy her time!!!
I have a couple of questions for you more experienced chicken herders. I plan to order a variety of chicks (blue silkies, quail antwerp belgian, black giants, buff orpingtons, golden polish, turkens, golden campiness, and Rhode Island reds) from McMurray to be delivered at the end of February (I am so excited and just cant wait any longer). Would be interested in any feedback on any of these breeds good, bad or otherwise. I wanted a variety so thought this would be a good mix for meat and egg production and just fun to look at ones.
I live in southwest Iowa where it can get pretty cold. Will a hanging radiant heater be enough to keep the chicks warm the first few weeks? They will be in an enclosed room in a cement block building.
Also, if all goes well I would like to raise some baby chicks. Do most of you try to keep the chickens separated by breed so you get a purebred (maybe not the right term Im used to cattle language) or do you just let everyone run together and get what you get?
Thanks for the input.

I have a couple of questions for you more experienced chicken herders. I plan to order a variety of chicks (blue silkies, quail antwerp belgian, black giants, buff orpingtons, golden polish, turkens, golden campiness, and Rhode Island reds) from McMurray to be delivered at the end of February (I am so excited and just cant wait any longer). Would be interested in any feedback on any of these breeds good, bad or otherwise. I wanted a variety so thought this would be a good mix for meat and egg production and just fun to look at ones.
I live in southwest Iowa where it can get pretty cold. Will a hanging radiant heater be enough to keep the chicks warm the first few weeks? They will be in an enclosed room in a cement block building.
Also, if all goes well I would like to raise some baby chicks. Do most of you try to keep the chickens separated by breed so you get a purebred (maybe not the right term Im used to cattle language) or do you just let everyone run together and get what you get?
Thanks for the input.