How to raise Backyard Chickens: [CHICKENS-101] Re: Dual Purpose Chickens; Buff Orpington's vs. Australorps

Dear Ol' George,

It is always a happy day when I get an answer from "Ol' George!"

You wrote:

Hi Britta. I live in New Hampshire where in most years it gets cold in the winter, 20 below in the extreme. This year has been an exception. No winter at all.

A. Nice! Your winter sounds very similar to ours, and I'm not complaining. Though now we finally do have some snow and the kids are enjoying sledding which is always fun to see.

You wrote:

I have raised several breeds of chickens through the years. Never had a problem with the cold. I do cheat and use a heat lamp in the very cold temps.I usually sell or give away my hens after 2 years. My DW is not into freezer camp for our chickens.

A. Oh, sure! I understand! So I'm right about "on mark" at least in wanting to change out my chickens at two years of age.

You wrote:

First nothing except an RIR will produce eggs like Red Sex Link. The RIRs that you buy these days are production birds and not like the "heritage" breed. So they are not really dual purpose. Some breeds that are considered dual purpose are better for eggs others are better for meat. Buff Orpington, Black sex links and New Hampshire Reds are considered better meat birds while the Red Sex link and Australorp are better for eggs. Marla's description is pretty much right on.

A. Ah, very good! So I was thinking of getting more of the Buff Orpington, and just a few Australorps, but since I prefer more eggs, it looks like I better get more Australorps than the Buff Orpington. We still could eat an Australorp, eh? It just might not be QUITE as meaty as a Buff Orpington. Is that what you're saying?

Can you think of a way I can make my own bands for my chickens so I don't have to buy them? Would twist ties work?

I wonder if my little girls could paint the chicken's toe nails with fingernail polish…… how long would that stay on? They'd probably have to repaint every few months……

I bet you or someone can think of a better solution.

Thanks for writing!

Britta in WI

__._,_.___

Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post | Start a New Topic

Messages in this topic (1)

Recent Activity: