Rachael's Random Ramblings

I'm going to order my chicks! What breeds do you all like?

Well, our chickens have slowly been eliminated by foxes, stray dogs, or just by being spent. I wanted to wait until after I had the baby to order some new chicks, and now it's time!!

My last batch of layers consisted of a "chicken soup" of varieties, so to speak. I had Rhode Islands, a few Buff O's, and some Wyandottes....and a few other mixed types. I LOVED my Buff O's!

What breeds do you prefer and why (either layers, meat, or combo)??

I'm thinking I'd like a few meat birds as well as layers.....but mainly layers.

Also, I want to have a rooster this go round. Do I just need one or can I get a couple? I'll keep the rooster(s) separate from my layers. I would love some advice! If I have a mixed crop of chicken breeds, what breed of rooster should I get? I'm a little confused about that. LOL!!

Thanks everyone!

Chickens

{ 11:28 , Tuesday, July 31, 2007 } { Posted by fultoncountymommie }

I get my chickens from cackle hatchery. They have the best prices and great chickens. If I were you I would get the hungry man special. 50 of the meat birds. (ready to butcher in about 8 weeks and have breassts, thighs, and legs like the grocery store size. Also 25 laying birds. This is good since the meat birds don't do eggs. You get 75 chicks for 74 dollars

Hmmm....

{ 11:30 , Tuesday, July 31, 2007 } { Posted by Jonash2004 }

I like Rhode's, but they aren't really a 'meat chicken'.

My mom has Buff's and Rhode Islands right now, with a half-bantam rooster. How many chickens are you thinking about? I would stick with one rooster. Can I ask why you'd keep it away from the layers?

We always kept a rooster (and my mom still does today, I'm in the city for the time being!) because hens will 'orbit' a rooster. Without one, they are rather even more brainless and scattered than normal. :) The rooster will also help you get most of the hens back in the henhouse at night, should you let them free range at all.

Just some thoughts .... I might end up with Plymouth Rocks as a sort of in-between Rhodes and Buffs when I get out to the country, as they are good layers and meat birds......

Ashley

Untitled Comment

{ 07:44 , Tuesday, July 31, 2007 } { Posted by mountainmama }

I love my Rhode Islands, but our best birds have been our Plymouth Rocks. The hen only lays every other day, but she is a great meat bird. We have 2 roosters, but one is about to be done away with. We let our hens free range, and they stay close to the roosters. We also have one Leghorn hen. She is an ill tempered bird, she lays regularly, but she has no meat on her. Well there was my ramblings. Hope it helped.