Which chicks to get (New to having chicks)

[Bluerosesd]

I was raised on a farm that had chickens but never had much to do with them. So I guess I am new to this. I am trying to decide what kind of chicks to get. I have watched videos and read a lot about chickens. I know how to decide but I am on the fence! HELP! I really like the Barred Rock looks but was thinking of getting Easter Eggers for the different colored eggs. There are so many factors to take into account that my head starts getting all confused and I just stop. The main reason I want chickens is because I like watching them but I am sure finding different colored eggs will be fun too! My first question is IF I get 10 EE will the color of the eggs mostly be blue/green? If I order from Tractor Supply I have to order 10 and they are all same breed and same sex. I could order from a different place like Mcmurray or my pet chicken and get different breeds to insure I get a verity of eggs and chicks but I will have to wait until late April early May to get them and I am kind of impatient! If I get a few chicks from Tractor Supply now and then order EE later will it be hard to integrate them when the second batch of babies get big enough? See I am all confused! I am so excited to get chickens I am beside myself!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you get a bunch of EE from the same source, the eggs will likely be mostly the same color and not likely any blue. Mostly just various shades of green.
If you want a colorful egg basket, I'd get white, cream, brown, dark brown and green layers.
When choosing chicks, first find breeds appropriate for your climate. That in itself will prevent problems down the road.
Here are two breed charts to help with your selection giving personality traits, production, egg size/color, rate of growth, feather color, etc..
http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

After you find a list of breeds suitable for your climate, pick the other characteristics that you desire.
Most people want calm/docile pet type birds but IMHO, they are eliminating some amazing birds. Keep in mind that calm docile birds are also more vulnerable to predators and need more protection than the skittish breeds that are more aware of their surroundings. Mediterranean class breeds are among those.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I was just going to read but you are asking very good questions.

Getting chicks in April they tend to take the winter off. I really recommend waiting until May.
I would spend the waiting time building them a brooder and getting a good start on a coop.

I would NOT get chicks from Tractor Supply. I know, I know there are a lot of people that do. There are more and more posts asking what breed they REALLY got and finding out they got a breed they didn't want AND males.

If you do decide to go that route do a lot of research so you know what the chicks of your chosen breed should look like.

Adding your location to your profile page will greatly help us to help you. You don't have to be specific....mine says Northern Colorado. It helps people know what your climate is like.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I wanted to add something about barred rocks. There are several breeds that come in a barred variety if that's the color pattern you like. They don't have to be Plymouth Rocks which also come in at least 8 different color variations.

 

[joydix]

I have 29 birds right now. Different ages and all “fancy” or more rare. None are production breeds. SO I get NO eggs for a couple of Months. Although my bantams seem to lay better than the big girls! I add a few every year. This year I am adding leghorn and a gold sexlink for that reason. If I were starting over I would have less birds (but I LOVE &ADORE every one beyond reason). I would get birds that lay different shades and sizes so I would always know who laid what! I used to know but WAY out of control now! And I also like to tell the girls apart. I have a few of same breed and they DO prefer each other and it’s cute when they have a special pal! My very faves are my bantam Cochins and bantam Wyandotte. BRABANTERS are super fun curious breed with over top personality and she is a good layer of lg white eggs. My polish lay well also. My EE’s are more standoffish but they do lay well. My white one with a blue beard lays sky blue eggs. I heard white Americana’s do. Have fun!

 

[Bluerosesd]

I updated my profile. When I was young my grandmother always had fat chickens and they remind me of little old fat lady’s in dresses. I think that’s what I want. I want fat chickens.

 

[Mrs. K]

Get a mixed bag, get them from Tractor Supply, just get going. There is no perfect way to do this hobby. Somethings will work, and somethings won't. Experiences is what you get, and you will learn from them. Keeping the flock is the fun part, birds come and go within it. Sometimes you will get a breed you are positive that you would really like, and you don't, sometimes you get a bird you never planned on, and enjoy her very much.

It is not a I will set things up perfectly and nothing will ever go wrong type hobby. Just keep at it, and you will figure it out.

Mrs K

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I also think that a variety of breed types and colors is a great way to start. There can be issues with the TSC or Family Farm & Home, or Rural King chicks.
They won't be vaccinated against Marek's disease.
There will be a more limited breed selection.
You are more likely to get some cockerels, or chicks of a breed you weren't planning on.
On the other hand, they are there, and cute, and inexpensive, so if they look good, go for it!
Have your coop and run ready to go, and the brooder set up, everything ready to go, before bringing any chicks home!!!
Mary

 

[aart]

If I order from Tractor Supply I have to order 10 and they are all same breed and same sex.

Do you have to preorder?
Won't they have bins with a variety of birds in the store to choose from?

 

[igorsMistress]

Don't pick just one breed, get a mix and you'll still have a pretty egg basket. Decide what you do and don't like about the breed and don't get another in the future.

Easter eggers are like a box of chocolates: you won't know what color eggs you'll get until they start to lay.