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Barnyard Buddies:  Raising chickens for beginners-Me  |
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lovecatsandsunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
286 Posts
Tara
Sands of Time
SC
USA
286 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 02 2014 : 1:26:54 PM
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So I am reading and researching about raising a few chickens I have a space by the shed that would be good for 4-5 hens. These are for eggs only. What breed should I start with I live in an area that is okay having chickens. You gals are a wealth of information, so advice plz.
Tara
Support your local organic farmer.www.localharvest.org
Have you hugged your cat today? |
Edited by - lovecatsandsunshine on Oct 02 2014 7:53:24 PM |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9392 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9392 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2014 : 06:21:43 AM
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If you are looking for a hardy breed, I can only speak from what we have had. We started with Black Australorps but our girls now are Black Star. Excellent layers and strong and healthy. We got ours from an online hatchery and picked hens instead of straight run so we wouldn't end up with roosters. You won't need them unless you are going to incubate your own. They are very good if you are looking for chickens that are friendly and not skittish around you. Ours follow us around all the time. 
hugs,
Denise
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
Edited by - levisgrammy on Oct 03 2014 06:25:48 AM |
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EllaRow
True Blue Farmgirl
64 Posts
Chantelle
Nevis
MN
USA
64 Posts |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1143 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1143 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2014 : 08:42:12 AM
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Australorps, Barred Rocks, Dominiques, Orpingtons, or any of the so-called 'sex-link' (read:hybrid chicken) are friendly and great for egg production. I would personally not recommend either Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds if you want friendliness in addition to egg-laying. These are all breeds I have personal experience with :)
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7009 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7009 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2014 : 09:30:34 AM
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I'm only at the thinking about raising chickens stage. I printed out all this good info on friendly breeds that are also good layers. What's holding me back is having to look after them during an ice storm. I don't go outside when ice is on the ground.
Sara
Walk in Peace - Live with Joy
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014 |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9392 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9392 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2014 : 10:44:02 AM
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Sara,
You can get a heater for their waterer and a large feeder will keep them taken care of. We also use a heat lamp in the coop during the winter months. Though I have heard they can keep themselves warmer than they can cool. The eggs might freeze but it won't hurt them any if you can't get out collect them.
Denise
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7009 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7009 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2014 : 11:13:33 AM
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Denise, how far from the chickens does the heat lamp need to be? While I'm waiting around to make up my mind about whether to get chickens or not I'm collecting ideas for coops & pens. Also where to put it.
I'm thinking if I do it I want 2-4 chickens - all hens, don't think the neighbors would like a crowing rooster.
Sara
Walk in Peace - Live with Joy
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014 |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2014 : 4:15:21 PM
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Hi Tara,
I was thinking about chickens forever. I've had mine about a year now, no regrets. Thought you'd like to read this blog post I wrote, reflecting on First Time Chicken Ownership. :)
http://www.farmgirlbloggers.com/2076#more-2076
Go for it! It's a great experience.
Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9392 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9392 Posts |
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Barnyard Buddies: Raising chickens for beginners-Me |
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Raising chickens for beginners-Me
