Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
What Breed's Best for Me?
Before you can sit down to the task of choosing breeds, it's important to have a realistic
sense of your needs and limitations. You will have to decide which breeds best meet
your needs; however, keep in mind that all chickens take a molting season, usually in the
fall, when they do not produce many eggs. For a continuous supply of eggs, it is best to
have your young stock ready to start laying as the previous year's hens take their break.
This will allow you a continuous supply that would otherwise be interrupted when the
molting season starts.
Answer the following questions to help decide whether you are suited to raise a lay-
ing flock, how many you can reasonably care for, and which breeds to consider:
Do you have a small farm with confined spaces for a flock?
Do you have lots of room for a flock to roam and plan to let them do so?
Do you have small children?
Do you have problems with varmints?
Do you have extensive flowerbeds and vegetable gardens you don't mind fencing
in or sacrificing to your flock?
Do you have time to clean and maintain your flock?
Do you have time at the end of each day to properly lock up your birds to prevent
predation?
Do you like to get away for a weekend and do you have someone who can care
for the flock then?
Do you want a particular color of eggs?
Do you have a plan for the extra eggs?
Do you plan on selling eggs and if so, have you checked out the rules and regu-
lations?
Do you want eggs year-round?
Do you have the space to raise replacement hens while maintaining your current
flock?
Do you have to have a particular size egg?
Do you have need for docile chickens?
Do you want your chickens to be petlike and follow you around?
Do you feel that you can handle high-strung chickens?
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