I have done it! I have sweet talked Kevin into making me a Pen and Run for just Layers! He is going tonight to buy supplies! I am so excited, there is just something about having fresh eggs from MY chickens that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside! The area that we are planning to use, at our new house which we are moving into in about 1-2 weeks. Is open, half shade half sun, lots of room for a big run and is attached to the barn, hoping to maybe figure out something for them to come completely in at night. I have been looking at pics on here of coops and runs, but wanted personal opinions on what is best for it. I am hoping to get about 12 if not more hens. I already have 2 pair of Buff Orp, 2 roo and 2 hens, and some babies in the brooder. I will be keeping a small pen for the roosters with a girl or two for fertile eggs every now and then to hatch for more egg layers. Any one have any personal suggestions for the pen?
Also, I like the idea of having a mixed flock, meaning different breeds of chickens in one flock (pure or mixed breed) so I can tell them apart, my buffs have names! But I want a laying chicken, what breeds meet my needs? Here is about all I want out of a chicken:
Large to Extra Large Eggs
Color doesn't Matter too much, but Love Dark Eggs, maybe even a few colored ones?
Larger Chickens, Dual Purpose (so when we do hatch if we have a few extra roos, umm in the freezer they go)
Pretty Chickens that make my yard prettier (haha
not that important)
Very Hardy,winter layers maybe? IDK if I even had a dozen eggs layed all winter, so anything would be amazing during winter
Friendly, I do home school so kids are over all the time for classes
Now this one isn't that important, but I like brood hens, at least a few, mixed in with layers. My oldest buff girl is going broody right now, and I love having the space in the bator if something I want comes along, but not important at all!
Also, I like the idea of having a mixed flock, meaning different breeds of chickens in one flock (pure or mixed breed) so I can tell them apart, my buffs have names! But I want a laying chicken, what breeds meet my needs? Here is about all I want out of a chicken:
Large to Extra Large Eggs
Color doesn't Matter too much, but Love Dark Eggs, maybe even a few colored ones?
Larger Chickens, Dual Purpose (so when we do hatch if we have a few extra roos, umm in the freezer they go)
Pretty Chickens that make my yard prettier (haha
Very Hardy,winter layers maybe? IDK if I even had a dozen eggs layed all winter, so anything would be amazing during winter
Friendly, I do home school so kids are over all the time for classes
Now this one isn't that important, but I like brood hens, at least a few, mixed in with layers. My oldest buff girl is going broody right now, and I love having the space in the bator if something I want comes along, but not important at all!
