The Chickens
We made multiple attempts into the realm of chicken owning before we had success. The Rhode Island Red rooster in the picture to the left, along with a hen, were our first true success. They were 2 out of 12 chicks we had in St. Croix. Our success was only luck because we had the two of them quarantined due to an illness that would quickly resolve, when the rest of their flock was brutally decapitated and hauled off one by one by an industrious mongoose. Eventually, this beautiful, though classically aggressive, rooster became an amazing dish of coc au vin, but not before free ranging in our yard devouring the tropical insect population, especially the chicken delicacy known as centipedes. The two small flocks we had prior to this yummy rooster and his lovely hen (one in Colorado and one St. Croix) were lost to predator attack.
Needless to say, when we moved back to Colorado we were well aware of the risks of owning chickens and decided to go with bigger numbers to beat the odds. We chose 10 for laying and 10 for meat birds from three different breeds (Black Australorp, White Rock, and Light Brahma). As it worked out 8/10 layers lived and layed eggs and 11 meat birds filled our freezer. If I were to choose from these three breeds the Light Brahmas are by far my favorite. They are mellow and gentle to each other and people. Evelyn loves to hold them and they condescend to let her. They are good layers even in the winter and have feathers on their feet. (Can't quit those darling feathered feet!) This Spring we lost 3 layers to coyotes. Predators continue to be the greatest difficulty with maintaining chickens long term.
If you are looking, as a beginner, for a way to move toward self-sustaining you and your family, getting laying hens is a great start! I suggest looking for a local farmer willing to help you make a start by offering advice, selling chicks, or helping you decide on a manageable coop.
Needless to say, when we moved back to Colorado we were well aware of the risks of owning chickens and decided to go with bigger numbers to beat the odds. We chose 10 for laying and 10 for meat birds from three different breeds (Black Australorp, White Rock, and Light Brahma). As it worked out 8/10 layers lived and layed eggs and 11 meat birds filled our freezer. If I were to choose from these three breeds the Light Brahmas are by far my favorite. They are mellow and gentle to each other and people. Evelyn loves to hold them and they condescend to let her. They are good layers even in the winter and have feathers on their feet. (Can't quit those darling feathered feet!) This Spring we lost 3 layers to coyotes. Predators continue to be the greatest difficulty with maintaining chickens long term.
If you are looking, as a beginner, for a way to move toward self-sustaining you and your family, getting laying hens is a great start! I suggest looking for a local farmer willing to help you make a start by offering advice, selling chicks, or helping you decide on a manageable coop.