What Chickens Should I Buy?

My Comprehensive Guide to Picking Chickens – for Your Perfect Flock

Are you an aspiring poultry keeper contemplating the question: What chickens should I buy for my backyard?

The vast choices of chicken breeds can be overwhelming, but don’t fret! I’m here to help you make an intelligent decision tailored to your needs.

It’s almost a case of which Came First, the Chicken or Egg? Or is it the breed?

Purpose: Eggs, Meat, or Both?

First, identify your primary reason for raising chickens. There are many reasons to keep chickens; here are just a few. See my other blog post that covers ALL the reasons I could think of for owning poultry.

Are you looking for consistent egg-layers or meat producers? Pest control or garden helpers? Education or sustainability? Show Birds? To beat inflation?

Breeds – A Very Brief Introduction to a Couple of Good Birds

Breeds like the White Leghorn are prolific layers, while Australorps are optimal for meat. Dual-purpose breeds like the Sussex offer a balanced mix of both. Try this here for a spectacular selection of chickens from all over the world. For Australia-only breeds, go here.

Climate Considerations
Adaptability to your local climate is crucial. If you’re in a place with harsh winters, look into cold-hardy breeds like the Plymouth Rock. Conversely, Mediterranean breeds like the Ancona or the Rhode Island Red fare well in hotter climates.

Space & Terrain
Ensure you have adequate space for the chickens you select. Larger breeds require more room, while bantam chickens are suitable for smaller spaces. Consider your specific terrain; you might want breeds that are excellent foragers and can navigate hilly areas like the Australorp or the Wyandotte. Or gentle, easy-going breeds like pekins or silkies for enclosed backyards on flat ground.

Temperament
Personality matters, especially if you have children or other pets. Breeds like the Silkie are known for their docile nature, making them excellent choices for families.

How Long Do Chickens Live?

Keeping chickens is a commitment that extends far beyond seasonal interests, similar to caring for cats or dogs. It’s vital to view them as lifelong companions, not temporary additions. Their presence in our lives isn’t just a fleeting joy but a long-term responsibility.

Different chicken breeds boast varied lifespans, generally spanning from 5 to 10 years, though some can live longer with proper care. Breeds like the robust Rhode Island Red often live around 8 years, while the decorative Silkie can exceed ten years in ideal conditions.

This variance in lifespan underscores the need to view chickens as enduring pets. They require continuous care, affection, and attentive nurturing throughout their lives. Chickens are intelligent and social animals, each with a unique personality. They possess the ability to form strong bonds with their caretakers, making them more than just providers of eggs.

Chickens thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. As a caretaker, your commitment involves providing them with a comfortable habitat, a balanced diet, and regular health check-ups. This ensures their well-being and longevity, making your relationship with them fulfilling.

Besides companionship, chickens offer practical benefits that can enrich your daily life. Their egg production provides a sustainable and fresh food source, contributing to a self-sufficient lifestyle. Additionally, their natural foraging behavior benefits pest control, making them invaluable in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.

Committing to their well-being for their entire natural lifespan is crucial when deciding to welcome chickens into your life. Ensuring they remain a cherished part of the family year after year is not just a matter of responsibility but a rewarding experience. It deepens the bond between you and your feathered friends, making each day with them a delightful discovery.

Unique Requirements Some chicken fanciers prefer unique or rare breeds to add flair to their flock. You might consider Polish chickens if you are looking for a fancier breed. They are known for their striking feather crests. The Araucana is another gorgeous-looking breed with a lovely, quiet nature. They are well-suited to diverse climates and could be a unique addition to your flock. Both breeds lay blue eggs, adding a splash of color to your egg basket.

Begin by assessing the chicken breeds that are readily available in your region. Opting for birds from local breeders does more than support the community; it also ensures you choose chickens that are already acclimatized to your area’s specific conditions.

Significantly, purchasing locally can also reduce the risk of disease transmission. However, it remains crucial to quarantine new chickens before integrating them with your existing flock, especially if you already maintain a group of birds at home.

Selecting the ideal chicken breed depends on many considerations: the primary purpose of raising them, their adaptability to your local climate, the space available to you, their temperaments, the uniqueness of the breed, and their availability nearby. A thorough research process will lead you to a breed that not only thrives in your care but also fulfills all your requirements for poultry keeping.

I hope this article provides valuable guidance in choosing the most suitable chicken breeds for your needs, whether starting a new flock or expanding an existing one. The journey to a flourishing and productive flock begins with informed decisions.

Should you find yourself uncertain about selecting the suitable breeds for your starter flock, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to offer personalized advice and assistance to help you make the best choices for your poultry endeavors.