KMHunter writes:
"How many are you getting?"
Well, that depends on the coop we end up with, the number in the flock we buy, etc. The initial ad I answered (but have yet to receive a reply...probably not a good sign) had 3 hens - 2 RI Reds and 1 Araucana (per them, but haven't seen the bird yet.) We'll definitely be starting out small, though.
KMHunter:
"I need to warn you about the "Araucana". If it has tail feathers it is not an Araucana. It could be an Ameraucana, or more likely an Easter egger. But great birds either way. I just don't like when people try to sell them under the name of a purebred."
Lisa:
I read about that tendancy to "confuse" the various breeds along those lines.
KMHunter:
"I am hoping you have read up on quarantining birds, and integrating them together."
Lisa:
I actually haven't read that far yet, but figured something like that was the case. We have female German Shepherd dogs, and that is certainly the case with them, so I kind of figured something along those lines would apply to chickens (or any species that exists in a fixed social network of sorts...i.e. pack, flock, etc.) Initially, we will start with the grouping of the existing flock we purchase (whatever that turns out to be), then I will definitely read up on integration and quarantining before we add any "outsiders." Thank you VERY much for the insights!
KMHunter:
"I hope my experience helps a little."
Lisa:
Absolutely! Good "need to know" info to have.
