[Clay Moore]

I prefer to raise boneless chickens as they bring the best money at the store. (^;

You need to decide if you are raising meat chickens or layers.

The best layers are the white and brown leghorns or their hybrids. We have had many generations of them and the it seems that the brown ones do not get hit by the hawks and owls as much as the white ones. Does this make me a chicken bigot?

There are lots of frilly chickens out there that look cute and lay different color eggs but for eggs/pound of feed go with the leghorns.

A rooster is not necessary but will protect the flock if it doesn’t turn mean and attack you at every opportunity.

Contrary to Disney, a rooster does not survey the world and crow one time at the perfect time of dawn. They crow all night long repeatedly. Close neighbors might not be amused.

Feed them layer pellets and all of your food scraps.

[tired&retired]

“The best layers are the white and brown leghorns or their hybrids.”

I agree. However, there is not enough meat on their bones to make it worthwhile processing for soup! Very high egg production but they are the skinniest chickens I ever raised!

[Paul R.]

We were very lucky last year to have a rooster (a good size Amberlink) who was very defensive of his hens, but gentle / friendly to people.

The rooster (smallish Amberlink) we have now is the first to “chicken out” from a potential threat, but will sometimes try to attack from behind a child who tries to pick up a hen. He used to try that on me, and a good kick taught him not to do that — “smart” bird - most roosters will not “learn” about that sort of thing. He mostly ignores our 12 lb. cat, who is scared of the chickens. The cat has good reason: Our friendly-to-people Amberlink hen (as well as the deceased rooster mentioned above) will at any good opportunity attack the cat (who scrams).

[outofsalt]

"A rooster is not necessary"

[Moltke]

I prefer to raise boneless chickens as they bring the best money at the store. (^;