Washingtonians

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Hi, I am new here! I have done alot of research on this website and finally decided to join the forum. I am in King County and although I had chickens as a kiddo, I haven't owned them as an adult and am now interested in getting them again. I love the fresh eggs, try to eat more organic food, but oddly... I have developed a chicken and egg and "cool chicken coop" obsession. Are chickens alot prettier and interesting then when I was a kid, or am I going cuckoo? lol My family thinks it might be the cuckoo thing!

Since I am saying hello to fellow Washingtonians, I thought I might ask my first chicken question. I really want docile chickens that produce colorful eggs! So, some kind of easter eggers and perhaps a breed that produces those pretty dark dark brown ones would be fun. (I don't really need to get copper marans, there are others that are very pretty too - maybe welsumers or others!). The docile hen thing is important because there are some family members who have been attacked by roosters and now hold the belief that all chickens are mean. They also hold the belief that they will not be participating in any chicken related activities...haha... we'll see.

I found some great sounding websites to order from, but I don't want to start out with 25 chickens! I was thinking something more in the 6-10 ballpark (and all hens) since there are just 4 people to eat the eggs. I might be able to find two friends to split an order with, but was wondering if there is a local source to get nice chicks or pullets of the types of breeds I am looking for?? I think that my local farm supply stores don't necessarily carry the breeds I am thinking of.

I am not ready for chickies until maybe Feb/March, so doing the homework now....

Happy Holidays to everyone and thanks for such a great and informative website!
 
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If you want friendly birds I'd buy local hand raised chicks. Where are you located?
To turn the family member who thinks all chickens are evil I'd let them handle my Serama roo... he's will sit and snuggle with you and sweet enough any 2 or 3 year old can handle just fine.
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My Large Rooster Buff Orpington is a gentleman too he just gives me the "not again!" look when I pick him up. But he dances out of reach most times
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He puts up with me holding him and showig him off but avoids it as much as possible!

Easter Eggers throw colored eggs ranging from blue to brown and can be really friendly but again I'd buy local so you know what your getting... who knows what a hatchery mixes to get EE's

My EE's should start laying any day now!

Will you want baby chicks or pullets?
 
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Hello and
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Well, colored eggs do indeed come from Easter Eggers; They also come from the Ameraucana or Araucana too. And, I know you don't want the fancy Black Copper Marans, but if you do want some pretty red eggs, I wouldn't really go with Welsummers or Cuckoo Marans.

Some of us here, like me, actually offer a whole variety of all the colors and for a reasonable price.
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I breed chickens that lay dark red eggs, dark olive green eggs, blue eggs, normal green eggs, brown eggs, white eggs, and even pink or purple tinted eggs!

I'm sure you'll find just what you're looking for though. Homework months in advance is always the best thing. . . 'Tis what I did before I had my current flock(s)
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Welcome Sheryl8185! Glad you joined us!

So I keep hearing about lavender eggs here. What's the story and who lays them? I think I read a bit about them on the Marans thread earlier this year, that it's really just a coating sprayed on by the Marans.....is that what you are talking about Illia and Robin? Or am I totally off?!?! Come on, share the details!!!
 
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Yup. It is the extra white coating often sprayed on a Marans (or other dark layer) egg. It doesn't happen too often, although my Wheatens lay one at least once every three eggs.

I'll be breeding for the trait through my Olive Eggers though, and it looks like Robin is already there.
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I love Christmas!

It's the most wonderful time of the year..........!!

I love life today! I'm high on love and happiness!!!
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Hope everyone has a great day and remember to sit back and relax and enjoy the season. It is not about the things you give or receive but about letting everyone know how much you love and appreciate them.
 
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After stalking BYC for several weeks, I have finally joined.
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We live in Federal Way, south of Seattle. A while back, I checked out a few books from the library thinking I might be interested in a small backyard flock for eggs. My kids (4 and 2) tell everyone we see that we're getting chickens so I guess I'm committed now. People think I'm a bit nuts but that's nothing new.
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We scored a sweet cedar playhouse on Craigslist so I'm trying to figure out how to pimp it out into an awesome coop. I also need to figure out which breed to get and where to get them. I'm thinking about 4 girls, a docile breed that will be good with kids and great egg layers. I just wanted to join the local thread and absorb everyone's chicken wisdom before I embark on this crazy adventure and get some much-needed support along the way.
 
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