Urban chickioneer

[LiberalCluck]

Hi everyone. New to chickens. We are looking to set up for about 5 chickens. Looking into easy going breeds that are good with kids and good egg production.

We have a backyard in a fairly urban location. Good mix of sun and shade. We compost and have a great back yard garden.

I would love your advice on breeds and breeders. And plans for a coop.

Thanks. Sarah

 

[micah wotring]

Welcome to BYC! I'm a big fan of orpingtons so...yeah lol

Great to have ya here!


~MW

 

[LiberalCluck]

Welcome to BYC! I'm a big fan of orpingtons so...yeah lol

Great to have ya here!


~MW

Sorry new to this obv. Are the Orpingtons just color variation? Or are they different in other ways too?

 

[micah wotring]

Quote: lol that's fine
Orpingtons are a breed. Of that breed there are buff, splash, black, jubilee, mottled, and many, many other varieties. They are very hardy and friendly so I recommended them to ya.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, LiberalCluck, and

! Great to have you aboard! There are so many great breeds out there that fit the criteria you are looking for. The aforementioned Orpingtons are indeed a prolific laying breed and reported to be good with kids. There are others that also fit the bill - Speckled Sussex, Rhode Island Reds, Rocks, Red Stars and Black Stars....the list goes on. You will find supporters for every breed in existence and detractors as well. For my money I would avoid the Mediterranean class breeds - Leghorns, Anconas, and the like - they are good layers but also tend to be spooky. But so much of that depends on how gentle and patient you are with them as you raise them. Here's the link where you can explore the attributes of various breeds: https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds
And as a new chicken keeper you might explore the wonderful articles in the Learning Center here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
And here is a link to various breeds and hatcheries: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16/chicken-breeders-hatcheries
And here you can peruse coop plans for something of your liking: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
Bet wishes and thanks for joining BYC!!

 

[LiberalCluck]

Awesome. Thanks. I'm looking into barred rock too. I think that's what they were. Dominique look wonderful also.

Definitely fun to pick out the new girls.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under LiberalCluck

Welcome!

As you have already received some good starting points from redsoxs, I will just send best wishes to you and your flock when they arrive.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[drumstick diva]

Silkies are generally docile and are a favorite with kids.

 

[N F C]

It is fun to choose the breeds that make up your flock. I prefer a mixed flock because it's fun to "try out" different breeds, see how their personalities vary and the variations in feather colors. There's an article in the Learning Center called "Pickin' the right frickin' chicken" that might help you decide.

Have fun and thanks for joining us!

 

[SueT]

Welcome!
I got 6 chickens all different breeds. I LOVE my barred rock the best. I call her Rocket. She is so friendly, will jump up on my lap to say hello. In the past 12 days she has laid 11 eggs.
Good luck with your future flock, it's going to be a lot of fun....