The Chicken Odyssey

My chicken odyssey began a year ago. We moved onto this property in January. We knew that we wanted to raise laying hens. The very first thing we did was buy a coop that we felt would be suitable for the size of the flock that we wanted. We decided that we wanted to have 15. If all goes to plan, and preparing ourselves for the fact that we may wind up with a rooster or two, that will around a 10-12 eggs per day. I do plan on using my farm eggs for barter with people and making sure my sister and my neighbor has eggs, too.

So, we had a coop all winter. Bob finally got someone to help him move it to a level area. Bob had built a 4-panel pen for our cats last year, but the cats don't really use it anymore. We decided to make it bigger for chickens. I can see them from my window. They will have protection under two smaller fir trees. We trimmed out the lower branches. None of them touch the top now. We plan on putting two panels over the top where the coop is and we'll put bird netting over the rest of the top of the pen along with a heavy-duty industrial tarp. There's a local place that sells used ones.

So, in the meantime, while I was waiting for my brooder heater to get here, I have been researching the best breeds for laying eggs. I was gung-ho, at first, to go to a local feed store and buy my chicks. Upon further reading, I found that may not be the best option. I want chickens that lay colored eggs. I want blue eggs, green eggs, dark brown, chocolate milk colored eggs. I don't really want white eggs because I can just buy those at the store for fairly cheap but for sheer production, I wouldn't have an issue with a chicken that lays white eggs in my flock.

In my quest for chicken knowledge, I have found that most breeds start laying between 20-22 weeks, however, a few breeds may start laying as early as 16 weeks. Those would include Leghorns, Golden Comets, Sex Links, Rhode Island Reds and Australorps.

There are other things that I needed to factor in, such as my climate. Some breeds are better suited to my particular climate than others are. I'm in a more wet, temperate climate. It's not hot and it's not cold.

I have checked with local feed stores. I know when they get their chicks in. Most have around 5 or 6 breeds to choose from, but it's a big world out there as far as chicken breeds. I've determined that my best route may just be to order my chicks from a hatchery.

I've compiled a list of hatcheries that will ship chicks. Keep in mind that they usually require you to order a minimum number of birds and you may have to wait for your chicks to be shipped and you may have to pay a high fee if you order a low number of chicks.

1. Cackle Hatchery
2. Stromberg's Chicks & Game Birds Unlimited
3. Purely Poultry
4. Meyer Hatchery
5. Murray McMurray Hatchery
6. My Pet Chicken
7. Ideal Poultry
8. Happy Feet Hatchery
9. Chickens For Backyards
10. Townline Hatchery
11. Purely Poultry
12. Freedom Ranger Hatchery
13. Hoover's Hatchery
14. Jenk's Hatchery
Also, if you are wanting a larger sized flock, Welp Hatchery may be the one you go through.

The top 14 egg laying chicken breeds are:

1. Leghorn. They lay 280-320 white eggs per year. This is a breed that can start laying as early as 16 weeks. If you've ever bought white eggs from the supermarket, chances are likely they came from a Leghorn chicken.

2. Rhode Island Red. They lay between 200-300 light brown eggs per year. This is another breed that can start laying at 16 weeks. They are a really good foraging bird, which can help out with your chicken food bill. The great thing about RIRs is that they are a dual purpose chicken. They can be used for eggs or meat.

3. Australorp. They lay around 250 light brown to pink tinged eggs per year. These are another dual purpose breed. They are cold hardy and very gentle.

4. Austrawhite. They lay around 250 white or cream colored eggs per year. There have been instances of hens laying at 12 weeks.

5. Plymouth Rock. They lay around 200 large light brown eggs per year. This breed has been known to lay for 10 years! This is another dual purpose chicken, used both for eggs and for meat.

6. Buff Orpington. They lay around 200-280 large brown eggs per year. Pullets start laying around 5 to 7 months of age. This is another cold hardy breed and they can go quite broody.

7. Minorca. They lay around 200 large white eggs. They, quite possibly, lay the largest white eggs of any of the white laying breeds. They are the largest of the Mediterranean class.

8. Delaware. They lay around 200 large/jumbo light brown eggs per year. They are not an overly broody breed. They are a relatively new breed.

9. Barnevelder. They lay around 200 dark brown eggs per year. The eggs can, at times, be speckled. These are a heat tolerant breed. They do not do well in the cold.

10. Wyandotte. They lay around 200 cream to light brown eggs per year. There are 10 different Wyandotte color varieties. These are a great breed for beginners.

11. Ancona. They lay around 200-220 white eggs per year. This breed will rarely go broody and they are great foragers. They can be a bit flighty.

12. Spanish. They lay around 180 chalk white colored eggs per year. This breed does not like to be caged. This is a good breed for free ranging. They are not a very cuddly breed, either.

13. Sussex. They lay around 180-200 cream to light brown eggs per year. This is a great dual purpose breed. It can be used for both egg production and for meat. There are 8 color varieties.

14. Marans. They lay around 150-200 dark brown, chocolate-colored eggs per year. There are many varieties of Marans, but the Black Copper Marans is the one that lays the darkest colored eggs. A Marans is a docile breed.


I've narrowed my list down to a few varieties.

Rhode Island Red.
The Rhode Island Red Chicken breed remains an American classic and true American heritage chicken breed. Rhode Island Red Chickens were initially bred in Adamsville, Rhode Island, where they have been commemorated with a famous historical monument in their honor. Ever since they were first bred, they have been a national favorite. These beautiful birds are covered in shiny deep red feathers layered over various shades and textures. The Rhode Island Red Chickens are most famous for their wonderful large to extra-large brown eggs that make them a great choice for heritage chicken breeds for eggs. Occasionally, these hens can produce double yolk egg. Rhode Island Reds are known to be friendly and good-natured in almost all occasions, which makes them a great pet chicken. They can even adapt to all types of climate. In terms of size, hens reach 6 pounds and roosters reach about 7 ½ pounds. When they are not treated in a gentle manner or are overcrowded, they could become anxious. RIRs have truly stood the test of time. 

Black Copper Marans.
The Marans have a long history. The earliest Marans date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. During this time they were thought to be produced from wild “swamp hens” and victorious game birds brought to the French ports on English ships. After many years, farmers started to take an interest in the Marans and formed standards in the 19th century. The interest of the Marans took a steep decline during WWII. Luckily individuals kept the breed going. Sometime around 1990, the standards were set for the Black Copper Marans and they now have a worldwide interest. This breed is the rarest dark brown egg layer in the United States. The Black Copper Marans were admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 2010. The Black Copper Marans is a lightly feather legged bird. They lay the darkest chocolate brown egg. You will get on average 150-200 large eggs per year. The hen will weigh around 6 pounds and the rooster will be around 8 pounds. This breed is also a good dual-purpose bird. The Black Copper Marans is a friendly, beautiful bird that will make a good pet. This breed is active and foragers, but also does well in confinement.

Ameraucana.
The Ameraucana is an American domestic breed of chicken developed in the United States in the 1970's. It derives from Araucana chickens brought from Chile. Ameraucana Chickens are not to be confused with Easter Eggers, as they are a pure breed and also not to be confused with Araucanas, which are rumpless and have tufts. Ameraucanas always have both beards/muffs. Their pea comb makes them a great bird for colder climates. The breed’s most desirable features are their slate or black legs and the fact that they lay blue-tinted eggs. They are bred to retain the blue-egg gene eggshell color and they have a quiet and calm personality. Average Mature Weight: Rooster 6½ lbs., Hens 5½ lbs.

Welsummer.
The Welsummer (sometimes spelled Welsumer) is named after the village of Welsum, Holland, and was first imported into this country in 1928. Hens lay large, medium to deep brown eggs that are often speckled, making them very lovely, indeed! The Welsummer is an upright, active bird with a broad back, full breast and large full tail. When many people picture the stereotypical rooster, a Welsummer is what they have in mind--this was the same rooster featured on the corn flake boxes! Their hackles and saddles are fiery burnt orange and scarlet, with beetle black tails iridescently shining green, like the bars on their wings. The hens are modest, heathery brown, with their hackles shading to glints of gold and black. Even their eyes are a lovely red bay. The birds have single combs, medium wattles, almond shaped ear lobes and a strong, short beak. The coloring on the eggs is so thick that if you catch it while the egg is still wet, you can wipe off some of the brown with a clean cloth! Keep in mind that, as with all dark egg layers, the eggs will vary in color, growing lighter as the hens get into the full swing of laying, and darkening again after a break in laying (like a molt). Welsummers are friendly, intelligent and easily handled birds that love to free range and forage for food but can also be kept in runs quite happily.

Barred Plymouth Rock.
One of the most popular dual-purpose chickens on small farms today and they are recommended as one of the best breeds for beginners. Their heritage is unclear, but what is clear is that they're very friendly, great layers of large brown eggs and able to withstand cold weather quite nicely. They can also tolerate heat. Though Barred Rocks tolerate confinement, they're happiest when they range freely.

Golden Laced Wyandotte.
Golden Laced Wyandottes are beautiful and productive birds for the home flock. They are a favorite amongst backyard flock owners for their dependable egg laying, easygoing nature and cold-hardiness. Each feather is golden edged in beetle black. The roosters have the same laced feathers, but with hackles and capes of glimmering gold, and the same proud stance. Wyandottes have a heavy body, which makes them a great dual purpose choice, and small rose comb, which makes them perfect for cold climates because they are not prone to frostbite. The hens are hardy, energetic, and faithful layers and are recommended as one of the best breeds for beginners.

So, I have found out that there is a lot more to raising chickens successfully than just buying chicks. There's so much more to look into.