Time for new chicks, wondering about breeds

[Justicedog]

Hi, it's time for new chicks. I've got 4 old hens from 2015, they are an Ameraucana, Buckeye, Speckled Sussex and a RIR (I think). The feed store has a chick schedule, so there are different breeds from which I have to choose. I really want to get a Blue Rock and a Lavender Orpington.

I want a Marans, they get Cuckoo, French Black Copper, French Blue Copper, Noir and Golden Cuckoo Marans.

I'd crossed off the different varieties of Wyandottes as I've read that they're chicken dominant and I don't want that. I'm thinking of crossing off the Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island Blue for that same reason.

I like the Prairie Bluebell Egger and Starlight Green Egger - but I'm concerned as the information I have on them are that they're 4 pounds, which is smaller than the others and I'd be concerned that they'd be picked on.

Other breeds that the feed store gets are Barred Rock, Brahamas, Olive Egger, Columbia Rock Cross, Black Sex Link, Partridge Rock, Amber link, Wellsummer.

Are any of those ones I should try to stay away from or must have?

I'm looking at getting 5 chicks. That's the minimum we have to purchase in our state. I'd prefer just 3, but that doesn't seem to be allowed.

I'm in Maryland, we get both winters and hot summers. We have freezing temps, but nothing like Minnesota winters. They're most likely going to be confined in their coop and run. My very first batch of chickens had the run of the back yard, my 2015 crew decided to hop our fence, cross the road and poop in neighbor's yards, so they stopped getting to roam the yard.

What are your opinions on these breeds?

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I’m picking up a Lavender Orp today! Welsummers and barred rocks are pretty nice, from my experience. They are friendly and lay well. Sadly both of ours died from a predator attack.

 

[Justicedog]

Just for grins. Here are 2 of my old girls.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Am I correct in thinking that the store won;t have all of those breeds at once? If that is the case, I would just wait and see what else is available when the breeds you HAVE to have are in stock and go from there.

 

[MountainWoman73]

I'm a big fan of my welsummers. If you like pretty eggs, I'd put them on your list.

 

[Justicedog]

Am I correct in thinking that the store won;t have all of those breeds at once? If that is the case, I would just wait and see what else is available when the breeds you HAVE to have are in stock and go from there.

That is exactly what it is. There are 4 days that have my 2 favorites coming in. I'll then have to pick from the others that are there that day. So, I was trying to decide the other breeds to decide which of those days to go.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

That is exactly what it is. There are 4 days that have my 2 favorites coming in. I'll then have to pick from the others that are there that day. So, I was trying to decide the other breeds to decide which of those days to go.

Why not just get the kinds you want? (Say 2 of one kind and 3 of the other since you said there is a 5 chick minimum.) That way if something were to happen to one, you would still have one or 2.

 

[arwoon]

Hi, it's time for new chicks. I've got 4 old hens from 2015, they are an Ameraucana, Buckeye, Speckled Sussex and a RIR (I think). The feed store has a chick schedule, so there are different breeds from which I have to choose. I really want to get a Blue Rock and a Lavender Orpington.

I want a Marans, they get Cuckoo, French Black Copper, French Blue Copper, Noir and Golden Cuckoo Marans.

I'd crossed off the different varieties of Wyandottes as I've read that they're chicken dominant and I don't want that. I'm thinking of crossing off the Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island Blue for that same reason.

I like the Prairie Bluebell Egger and Starlight Green Egger - but I'm concerned as the information I have on them are that they're 4 pounds, which is smaller than the others and I'd be concerned that they'd be picked on.

Other breeds that the feed store gets are Barred Rock, Brahamas, Olive Egger, Columbia Rock Cross, Black Sex Link, Partridge Rock, Amber link, Wellsummer.

Are any of those ones I should try to stay away from or must have?

I'm looking at getting 5 chicks. That's the minimum we have to purchase in our state. I'd prefer just 3, but that doesn't seem to be allowed.

I'm in Maryland, we get both winters and hot summers. We have freezing temps, but nothing like Minnesota winters. They're most likely going to be confined in their coop and run. My very first batch of chickens had the run of the back yard, my 2015 crew decided to hop our fence, cross the road and poop in neighbor's yards, so they stopped getting to roam the yard.

What are your opinions on these breeds?

Both of my RIR hens are really nice, not snooty like my barred rocks
But I love all of em! O have always wanted lavender orps!

 

[Justicedog]

Why not just get the kinds you want? (Say 2 of one kind and 3 of the other since you said there is a 5 chick minimum.) That way if something were to happen to one, you would still have one or 2.

Hmm, I'd always just gotten one of each breed. I think I'd be concerned about being able to tell them apart.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Hmm, I'd always just gotten one of each breed. I think I'd be concerned about being able to tell them apart.

Your money, time and everything. So if that is what YOU like to do, that is all that matters! (Personally, I got 5 of the same kind.)