Fred's Fine Fowl
01-02-2009, 10:53 AM
Hi everyone,
I know you are all sketching out your garden plots and buying more seeds than you will ever use, as the thought of spring races through your organic minds...
I'd like to add one more thing, for those of you who are thinking of starting off with chickens this year.
Don't wait until spring/Easter, for your chick purchases.
Day old chicks can be started inside and kept for six weeks on average, before being moved out into a coop & run.
See an example of a simple table top brooder here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL6mC_BrsDA
If you will want chickens to work your garden(s), then you will want them to be large enough to accomplish that task in the spring.
If you want to collect cage free eggs from your birds, they do not produce until they are around 5 months of age, so birds started now, will come into lay in June.
If you have a specific breed, that you have researched and specifically want, it may sell out at the hatchery of your choice.. so, put your order in, even weeks or months ahead of time. Avoid "grab bag specials" and feed store spontaneous purchases. Get birds that are known for your desired purpose. Know something about the hatchery or breeder from which your birds will come. (vote with your almighty dollar)
This is the time, to read about chickens, study the breeds of interest to you and maybe even allow your children to do some research.
More than 66 recognized breeds out there, with over 600 types, all available with the click of your computer mouse...
Go to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and check the list of breeders... please don't try to order from me, I'm sold out ahead of time locally.
Share your chick purchasing, sourcing and satisfaction with the stock you receive, right here... I would love to read about your experiences. Also, share the breed you selected and why?
Happy New Year,
Fred
I know you are all sketching out your garden plots and buying more seeds than you will ever use, as the thought of spring races through your organic minds...
I'd like to add one more thing, for those of you who are thinking of starting off with chickens this year.
Don't wait until spring/Easter, for your chick purchases.
Day old chicks can be started inside and kept for six weeks on average, before being moved out into a coop & run.
See an example of a simple table top brooder here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL6mC_BrsDA
If you will want chickens to work your garden(s), then you will want them to be large enough to accomplish that task in the spring.
If you want to collect cage free eggs from your birds, they do not produce until they are around 5 months of age, so birds started now, will come into lay in June.
If you have a specific breed, that you have researched and specifically want, it may sell out at the hatchery of your choice.. so, put your order in, even weeks or months ahead of time. Avoid "grab bag specials" and feed store spontaneous purchases. Get birds that are known for your desired purpose. Know something about the hatchery or breeder from which your birds will come. (vote with your almighty dollar)
This is the time, to read about chickens, study the breeds of interest to you and maybe even allow your children to do some research.
More than 66 recognized breeds out there, with over 600 types, all available with the click of your computer mouse...
Go to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and check the list of breeders... please don't try to order from me, I'm sold out ahead of time locally.
Share your chick purchasing, sourcing and satisfaction with the stock you receive, right here... I would love to read about your experiences. Also, share the breed you selected and why?
Happy New Year,
Fred