bee_pipes
02-03-2007, 03:02 PM
At the end of January we saw egg number 203. The hens started laying in December - the first to lay died of prolapse on her first egg. Not another problem after that. They are buff orpingtons, and I couldn't be happier with their disposition. They are rated as a "utility" chicken - not meat and not layers, but a compromise of both - sorta like a sleeper sofa - not a good bed and not a good sofa. The roosters aren't real aggressive - they have their moments, but the two we're keeping are real friendly.
We got them from Cackle Hatchery (http://www.cacklehatchery.com/) because they had a minimum of 15 chicks. With just me and my wife, I couldn't see trying to ride herd on 30 or more chicks and keep up with the other stuff around here. Couldn't be happier. They were a straight run and we did get a half and half mix. They sent 16, allowing for one death in shipment, but all arrived active and happy. Except for the one death, all the hens are alive. We are butchering the roosters for the freezer, keeping two for the flock. From the literature, these are excellent setters and mothers, so hopefully these will be the last chicks we will need to buy.
The eggs are most excellent - good flavor. We gave them medicated feed for the first few months, then switched to a layer pellet. They get out and graze daily, though I try to wait till the eggs are laid for the day. When the last of the roosters get butchered, we will let them roam free all day.
Next summer we will have fresh chicken, a little younger, and be more experienced in butchering. Neighbors have been a great help on this - neither my wife or I have ever tried our hand at it.
Regards,
Pat
We got them from Cackle Hatchery (http://www.cacklehatchery.com/) because they had a minimum of 15 chicks. With just me and my wife, I couldn't see trying to ride herd on 30 or more chicks and keep up with the other stuff around here. Couldn't be happier. They were a straight run and we did get a half and half mix. They sent 16, allowing for one death in shipment, but all arrived active and happy. Except for the one death, all the hens are alive. We are butchering the roosters for the freezer, keeping two for the flock. From the literature, these are excellent setters and mothers, so hopefully these will be the last chicks we will need to buy.
The eggs are most excellent - good flavor. We gave them medicated feed for the first few months, then switched to a layer pellet. They get out and graze daily, though I try to wait till the eggs are laid for the day. When the last of the roosters get butchered, we will let them roam free all day.
Next summer we will have fresh chicken, a little younger, and be more experienced in butchering. Neighbors have been a great help on this - neither my wife or I have ever tried our hand at it.
Regards,
Pat