nolotus
Songster
I’m getting my coop today 
(a neighbor built it and is delivering and setting it up) and I’m anxious to decide on which chickens I should start out with. I’d be so appreciative of any and all opinions on breeds, brooders v. incubating, etc.
I raised chickens years and years ago and one of the many things I’ve learned from BYC is that I didn’t know much about it then and even less now! I used an incubator then. I don’t remember having the hens hatch their own.
I’d like to have 2 or 3 of several different breeds. I was looking at Barred Rocks, Orpingtons – does the color make any difference?, Silver Laced Wyandottes, and Australorps. I also want to get a cockerel. Just one I’m assuming? Which breed would be best for that? Is it best to stick with established breeds instead of something like McMurray’s Whiting True Green?
My main reasons for wanting chickens is for the eggs and for the enjoyment of watching them.
We have hot summers here and sort of cold winters – West Central Idaho high desert. I thought that any of the breeds I listed handle heat and cold well.
I expect it’s early to order but it takes me an age to decide anything…But I wondered if ordering early would be a good idea for like maybe February? I plan on getting a heat plate they can snuggle under. Oh no! another decision on which one to get!
As I said, any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated.
(a neighbor built it and is delivering and setting it up) and I’m anxious to decide on which chickens I should start out with. I’d be so appreciative of any and all opinions on breeds, brooders v. incubating, etc.I raised chickens years and years ago and one of the many things I’ve learned from BYC is that I didn’t know much about it then and even less now! I used an incubator then. I don’t remember having the hens hatch their own.
I’d like to have 2 or 3 of several different breeds. I was looking at Barred Rocks, Orpingtons – does the color make any difference?, Silver Laced Wyandottes, and Australorps. I also want to get a cockerel. Just one I’m assuming? Which breed would be best for that? Is it best to stick with established breeds instead of something like McMurray’s Whiting True Green?
My main reasons for wanting chickens is for the eggs and for the enjoyment of watching them.
We have hot summers here and sort of cold winters – West Central Idaho high desert. I thought that any of the breeds I listed handle heat and cold well.
I expect it’s early to order but it takes me an age to decide anything…But I wondered if ordering early would be a good idea for like maybe February? I plan on getting a heat plate they can snuggle under. Oh no! another decision on which one to get!
As I said, any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated.
