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?
What is Important to You?
Cute and cuddly? Eggs?, A learning experience for the kids? or are you worried about Council restrictions and regulations?
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.
FAQ’S on What Chickens to Buy
Can you keep chickens at home?
Chickens can be kept at home, but it’s important to check local zoning laws and regulations first. Key considerations include providing adequate space, shelter, food, and water for the chickens. Proper care and responsible ownership are essential.
Ask yourself- What’s the purpose of your flock – eggs, meat, or both?
Consider breed types: Layers like Leghorns for eggs, Cornish Cross for meat, or dual-purpose breeds like Plymouth Rocks. Silkies and Pekin for pets and great for children to learn with but they lay smaller eggs.
How much time do you need?
Chickens typically require 30-60 minutes of care per day, including feeding, watering, collecting eggs, and cleaning the coop.
If some breeds like Silkies need more care others are more independent what should you consider?
Consider the breed’s needs and independence level. Some breeds like Silkies require more frequent care, while others are more independent.
Ask what predators are in your area
Choose larger, more alert breeds if hawks/foxes are common. Do more research before buying chickens.
Do you want colored eggs?
Ameraucanas lay blue eggs, Marans lay dark brown, Leghorns lay white. There are many color variations. It’s all good fun!
Should you start with chicks or mature hens?
Start with mature hens. The learning curve can be huge. Chicks need more care but are cheaper; mature hens cost more but lay sooner. Don’t make the mistake of seeing cute fluffy chicks at a market: take them home only to watch them die. Learn more, before purchasing. Practice with mature hens – even letting her hatch out chicks first then learn to incubate then have your own chicks. It’s less heartbreaking, animals die. If you have live animals you also have dead ones. It’s the reality of life.
What’s your budget for startup costs?
Startup costs can vary widely depending on the business and industry. Factor in coop, feed, supplies, and chick prices ($6-30 per bird US or $10-60 AU) depending on age/breed).
Are you looking for docile birds good with children?
Buff Orpingtons and Silkies are known for gentle temperaments
How many eggs do you want per week?
Most laying hens produce 3-5 eggs weekly; plan your flock size accordingly
Are local noise ordinances a concern?
If yes, choose quieter breeds like Orpingtons or avoid roosters altogether
What climate do you live in?
Choose cold-hardy breeds like Wyandottes for cold areas, heat-tolerant breeds like Australorps for warmer regions
How much space do you have?
Each chicken needs 4 square (feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run
