Texas

[sbarab]

None that I have. Although the EEs & black astrlorps come the closest.

Here's my list of hen types:
RIR
Production Red
Speckeled Sussex
Black Astrolorps (sp)
Golden Laced Wynadotte
Silver Laced Wynadotte
EEs - hatchery and others
Welsummers
Edited to add Delawares

I have several black copper marans (also from pasofinofarms) that are just at POL and I've gotten one or two eggs from them.

 

[J&JV]

Thanks so much for the advice! I'll put the netting down this weekend. I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts, but you know how one thing leads to another? Looking at those beautiful chickens makes me want more (of all kinds!). Anyone have Austrolorps? Good breed for Texas? Thanks again. J&J

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
Well, all the breeds go through molts and respond to stress factors. I know folks and am folks who raise australorps, barred rock, buff orp, rir, ee, and a few other things without much problem. My girls slowed way down when it first started getting hot, but i adjusted their feed, and they perked right up.

Specifically, about the australorps, i don't have them, but i have a friend in CutnShoot who does.

I don't give my birds anything besides fresh water and shade, and they have weathered this hot summer famously....even energetically.

 

[shesaredroan]

J&JV

Sounds like you've been bitten by the chicken bug!!! Yes Australorps are great birds in the Texas heat, they are some of my favorites.
I started out 10 years ago with australorp, barred rock, new hampshire reds, and buff orpingtons.

Through the years I've added ameraucanas (I love their beards, muffs & green/blue eggs), cuckoo marans, silver laced wyandottes, and welsummer.

This spring I've added Delaware, Egyptian Fayoumi, salmon Faverolles, speckled sussex, spangled russian orloff and black/blue/splash marans and a few black copper marans. Yes, there are so many interesting breeds to choose from.

You might check with your local feed store and see what breeds they sell the most of. Local feed stores will be more helpful with this than the chain stores. And, just like here at BYC, you'll make friends and they are always good to go to with questions and for help.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
OMG! I've been wanting to start raising NHR, but haven't found anyone local who has them. Well, you're not exactly local, but you're better than Missouri! Do you sell NHR chicks or eggs?

 

[shesaredroan]

PunkinPeep,

Boy I wish I did sell 'em. So far all I've sold are eating eggs. My NHR girls are from hatchery stock.

Ideal Poultry is where the local feed stores around here get their chicks and that's where I've gotten my NHReds in the past. I've placed chick orders directly from Ideal too, when I wanted chicks NOW, instead of waiting for the feed store to place their next big/mixed order. They are located in Cameron and do a super job of shipping chicks. Their prices are very reasonable and because they're right here in Texas the chicks don't have to travel so far. It's so fun to get a call from the post office saying 'come get your chicks' and go pick up a box of little peeps.

However......when broody, I have found them to be VERY protective of their eggs. They can pinch my hands/arms harder than any other breed I've worked with (they draw blood)!!!! I learned to use heavy gloves. I had RIR and NHR at the same time and decided there was something about the NHR I liked better, even though they can be vicious I keep raising them. (perhaps it's 'cause I lived in Vermont for a while and loved visiting NH).

Sorry I can't help you Punkin with eggs or chicks, but encourage you to get some. They are stately, confident, good layers of nice light brown eggs,.........even if they do get grouchy sometimes.

 

[PunkinPeep]

dern!

but thanks for the info! So far, i've liked everything i've heard about them. And now that i'm dealing with buff orps, who are wonderfully broody but not overly protective, that trait sounds awesome!

 

[chickenpickens]

Where is everyone? Sure is quiet...

 

[txmel]

Quote:
i think the whole site has been quieter than usual lately. not sure if people are just very busy with stuff or what. i know i've been busy with school starting up again and getting the kids ready and all the other activities they are into. also started another hatch of eggs and dealing with all the little things and problem solving issues that seem to always be a part of that.

 

[shesaredroan]

Good morning fellow Texans,

Yep Texmel, I think you're right, folks are getting back into the school season and all the activities that go with it.

We had a few cooler days this week. One morning it was 72 degrees (due to lower humidity), this time of year it usually doesn't get any lower than the 80s at night. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (and this time it's NOT a train) cooler weather WILL come. I really look forward to those few weeks in the spring and fall when I can open the windows and not depend on the AC to be comfortable.

Texasgal, thanks so much for your info on pasofinofarms. Shiner was a wonderful example of the quality of bird Melissa breeds. I'll be in touch with her soon. My 'bator is empty now.......hatched 5 1st generation oliver eggers, 5 B/B/S ameraucana and 3 BCM. They are all happily growing in the brooder. So now I'm on the hunt for hatching eggs.

I'm happy to say goodbye to August and its insufferable heat and lack of rain!!!