Chickens

[ejb]

Hi Guys.

A quick and perhaps dumb question: Where should I go to buy some baby-chicks? We want to get 6-10 baby chickens (all female) to have for eggs, but other than driving by some farms not sure where to go? Any generic suggestions?

Also, what kind of chicken would be best for eggs? or does it matter?

I am under the impression that once they mature (which should be by fall) they will on average each lay one egg per day...is this correct?

Thanks guys.

 

[Rodneyd]

Go to the local farm feed store. They usually have some. Also, ours will guarantee hens. If you get a rooster they will usually replace it. Our 8 hens usually average 6 to 8 eggs per day. We got 3 different varieties. Don't know what kind but they all produce a nice medium brown egg. Love those fresh eggs. I think ours started laying in about 12 weeks.


rod

 

[RichZ]

I got my chickens as day old chicks mail ordered from Murray MacMurray Hatcheries. They have a website. They're about the biggest. I ordered 25 females, and with 25 they throw in one free exotic chick, which you gotta figure will be a rooster (mine was). They sent me 26 chicks and the exotic. One of the 26 and the exotic were roosters. I would reccommend getting ones that lay brown eggs. The shells are thicker, and if you want to sell them, most people like them better. We got several varieties, including: Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, Black Rocks, White Astrolopes(sp?), and Buff Astrolopes. They're all good layers, and hardy, but interestingly, the Rhode Island Reds are the most friendly. They love to be picked up and carried around.

We've had a lot of fun with the chickens in the past year, and sold a lot of eggs (but it's not exactly a money making proposition). I got most of my advice right here on TBN from Boondox and others. Post any questions you have, and you'll get quick answers!

Have fun!!

 

[GlennT]

I have a few leghorns that are now over three years old and are laying great. They are free-ranging and we should all be so happy! Leghorns have the reputation of being amongst the best laying hens; however, they are not heavy birds and would not be a first choice for eating. Also, leghorns are more nervous than many other breeds and they can be cannibalistic. I had two roosters at first, but they were driving us crazy with competitive crowing (I timed them and found that they averaged a crow every three seconds from dawn to dusk). They also attacked us every time we went to the coop and we had to carry a stick to fend them off. I finally gave them to a Hispanic who came through and looked like he would enjoy a couple of chicken dinners. I now have fifteen chicks about two months old which I purchased from the local feed house--five Production Reds (a hybrid Rhode Island Red), five Barred Rocks (a hybrid Plymouth Rock) and five Ameraucana (a type of Araucana from Chile which lays colored eggs--pale blue, green, brown and pink). These fifteen pullets get along much better than our leghorns. My coop is on wheels so I can move it into the shade during our hot summers and out into the sun during the cool (cold) winters. The sides consist of insulated panels which are hinged so I can control the ventilation. Chickens are fun, but they do require care. I close mine up each night so the raccoons, great horned owls, coyotes and snakes don't get them. During the day hawks, coyotes, dogs, etc. can be a problem. Eggs from free-ranging hens are worth it! They have more flavor and their yokes are more firm and are a much brighter yellow. People generally pay about $2.00 a dozen for this kind of egg down here in Central Texas. We are not in the egg business; any excess goes to the local Food Pantry. Have fun!!

 

[TonyC]

I just went to Tractor Supply Co. yesterday. They have 4 or 5 varieties of live baby chicks in the store at this time of year. They were .99 a piece. Of course that only helps if you have a TSC store nearby!

 

[Hillbilly]

Here is the link:
http://www.strombergschickens.com/
If you need anymore help post your question before or after you get your chicks post your question you will get an answer.

 

[Hillbilly]

<font color=red>Ameraucana (a type of Araucana from Chile which lays colored eggs--pale blue, green, brown and pink).</font color=red>
Araucanas are from Chile,Ameraucana do not resemble what the original Arcauna (which the explorers found in the Andes with Indians)look like.The Ameraucana carry the gene for the colored eggs,thus which is all people for the most part care about /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gifyou can cross an Arcuana mix with any breed and carry the capability for the colored eggs generation after generation,which makes it easy and fun for the average flock owner.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Another source of chickens might be the local elementary school. My friends wife is a teacher. One of her yearly projects for the kids, is to hatch out some chickens. A farmer donates the eggs and will take the chicks if the teacher can't find them a good home. Never sure what breed or sex you'll end up with though.
Have fun.

Russ

 

[ejb]

Thanks for the link to McMurrary...I had stumbled upon that site too, but was disappointed with the 25 minimum order (understand it from a business point of view, but just can't use that many chickens myself).

Defintely will go with the brown-egg layers. thats what we like to eat so it only make sense,

Sounds like the local feed store (Agway) will be the next stop tommorrow; no TSC stores that I know of in Western Mass.

Already promised the kids..so we'll find them someplace...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Will go with the brown egg layers.....Why,whats the difference ????? I have heard people say that for years.Brown versus white there is no difference in the taste,the yoke is still yellow.
It all is what the chicken is fed and how fresh the eggs are.
Brown eggs,white eggs...........it does not matter. LOL

Maybe some people prefer the taste of brown eggshells over white egg shells,if you are into eating egg shells.