Posted on 09/10/2011 7:32:49 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
You’ve decided to take the plunge and raise your own chickens. What’s next? In addition to building a chicken coop and mulling over the egg-eating options — scrambled or over-easy? — you need to consider what kind of chicken breed is right for you.
There are 60 different breeds of chicken today, and each breed has unique qualities. Your decisions should be based on what you want (and don’t want) from a chicken. Are you hoping for steady egg production? Meat production? Both? Do you get a kick out of multi-colored eggs? Do you need a chicken guaranteed to thrive in your climate without overheating or getting frostbite? Or maybe you just want a friendly companion with gorgeous plumage?
Whatever your preference, there is a breed that will fit your needs and wants.
Bookmarked.
The eggs look good!
Yay! I’m coming home with chickens one day. Already warned hubby. I think I want a smaller breed, and no roosters! I was nearly flogged as a child and I’m still afraid of roosters.
Because of that experience, a breed known for being docile would be good. ;-)
Two words: Buff Orpingtons. Sweetest tempers. Lovely birds!
I’m having eggs from my own hens for breakfast in a few minutes...finding this article put me over the top today! :)
Buff’s are my favorites and are the majority of my flock.
What kind do you have?
Can I have a flesh eating, fire breathing “Chicken of Death?”
Hi, Diana! Do you know if a person can have different types of chickens together or do you have to select one specific breed? I have always wondered if a person could have various breeds so the eggs would vary as well?
Cool thread.
Bookmark for later.
BTW, that reminds me of an old joke:
This guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, my brother's crazy. He thinks he's a chicken. And the doctor says, "Well, why don't you turn him in?" And the guy says, "I would, but I need the eggs."
Oookayyyyyy.....Which breed of chicken should I get if I want a chicken that will beat the snot out of coyotes? I’m thinking about carrying a chicken around with me (like Paris Hilton does with the designer dogs). What kind of chicken would I need to match my black shoes? I like to stop off after work and have a few drinks. Which chicken breed is good at bar conversation? I’m thinking of forming a chicken drill-team. Which breed is good at gymnastics?
We bought 22 white austrolops and they started producing really early. We got them april 16 and they started laying aug 15 . We are up to about a dozen a day. Great birds.
what if I want a chicken that can handle both 120 degree summer heat and -30 degree cold of winter in nebraska sandhills...and fight off predators?
Been raising my first flaock (all crossbreeds) for eggs this year. I have Barred Rocks and both Gold and Black Sexlinks. I have a dozen total. We are averaging 11 eggs a day.
Oh yeah, raising our own turkeys for the holiday season this year too. Turkey eggs taste like chicken.....eggs.
"That's NOT funny!"
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