Through-and-through midwesterner ready to keep backyard chickens!

[N F C]

Since you're just starting out and aren't sure what breed to get, I'd recommend a mixed flock. That will help you figure out what breeds you like best. As long as you stick with birds approximately the same size and avoid the top knots, they should all get along having been raised together.

Best of luck with all your plans!

 

[JedJackson]

Welcome, and congratulations on starting this new adventure. You are very wise to have everything ready before buying the actual birds. Good luck with your future flock.

 

[feathermaid]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

Your yard sounds plenty big enough. Do you plan to free range? If not, the size of your enclosed run and coop roost space is important. If you build large enough, you can keep more than 3 or 4, but that's definitely a good number to start with.
How Much Room Do Chickens Need
Keeping Chickens Without Free Ranging

Since you're just starting out and aren't sure what breed to get, I'd recommend a mixed flock. That will help you figure out what breeds you like best. As long as you stick with birds approximately the same size and avoid the top knots, they should all get along having been raised together.

Great advice!

I also love a mixed flock... you can get a beautiful colorful egg basket as well. Easter Eggers lay greenish eggs and Welsummers lay dark brown. If you like laced feathers, Wyandottes come in lovely gold or silver laced varieties and Barnevelders have gorgeous double-laced patterns. All of those breeds are cold hardy, dual purpose and generally friendly gals to have around. Of course there are so many other great breeds to choose from... that's why I say build BIG!

Make sure to have your coop built before your chicks arrive... they grow really fast!
Here's a few links that may be helpful:
Kick The Heat Lamp: Better, Safer And Healthier Options To Heat Your Brooder
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!
Cold Hardy Chicken Breeds
From Coop to Kitchen: Pets vs Livestock and Respectful Chicken Harvest

Best wishes in your new chicken adventure!

 

[Animals45]

Welcome to backyard chickens so glad you joined the flock! Feel free to ask questions and answer questions and make yourself at home!! Hope you enjoy this site as much as we all do!!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Sounds as if you are setting your goals and doing your research. Check out silver and or gold laced wyandottes. They may suit your needs. As already stated Polish in a mixed flock frequently become targets of aggressions.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Welcome to BYC

I love brahmas, they’re very friendly, docile, quite, cold hardy, great egg layers, great broodies being able to cover many eggs as they’re so large and they make amazing mother hens

Here’s some photos of mine

 

[Abriana]

Welcome to BYC!

I personally don't have orpingtons,but I have heard lots of good things about them from other people. They also come in nice colors! My personal favorite is lavender.

 

[cassie123]

Welcome to backyard chickens!

 

[happy duck]

Welcome to the roost! We always have room for new members and love getting them!