What about Delawares? I've read that they're pretty docile and inquisitive, being one of the first to approach a hand reaching into a brooder. Our local ACE hardware (and many other ACE's) in town have started carrying day-olds about a year ago, and I'm considering them as my first flock of about six. The local store only gets a small batch of 25 sexed chicks every week, I think from Privett Hatchery, and the ones that don't sell right away are discounted because that brooder is barely 48" wide and chicks grow fast. That's better than seeing hundreds dumped in big cardboard boxes, many being trampled or suffocated.
I don't know the difference in tempermant as far as hatchery vs breeder stocks, but at least I can drive down the road and pick up a few without stressing about shipping and loss issues. They are kept in a very clean wooden brooder with some plexiglass a few inches up the sides to keep abnoxious kids and the like poking at them. It seems like they don't mind human interaction and come right up to the edge of the brooder to check you out, and aren't skittish at all. I think the employees give them lots of attention and are spoiled.
Anyhoo, they'll be my first choice for now after I get my run and coop designs finalized later this year. I grew up on a farm in western PA back in the 50's and 60's with many animals and poultry, processing our meat yearly. I believe it would be great therapy for me to keep a few backyard chickens after juggling two jobs for the last 45+ years, and looking for retirement within the next two years or less.
Sorry for being so verbose, just wanted to give a plug for the Delawares. I know there is a separate Delaware thread on this board, but wanted to give them some recognition and consideration here. --BB
Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona
