Introduction and Questions

Hi folks, my name is Roy. I just started reading this group day before
yesterday. Seems like some helpful people here.

I have been researching the internet in preperation for setting up a
"backyard" flock of chickens and a turkey or two. I will purchase 25
birds when I start. The birds will be for meat and eggs. I have 6 acres
here in Kentucky. Our winters are not extreamly cold. Average does not
get below the teens. Although at times can be lower. We probably get as
much or more ice as we do snow. Summers are average high 80's and humid
but can get as high as 100. Haven't decided yet on free range vs. coop
and fenced area yet. Maybe some of both.

I am looking toward the Orpington's mainly because of their egg count
to weight class. Or, possibly the Red Sex Linked. Although the body
weight is lower. Right now I am partial to the brown egg layers. That
may change later.

Here are my questions: Do you think I am making a mistake limiting my
choices on the first go around? Should I get a variety the first set of
birds I get to make my choice for the long run? Or, is there a bird
that is as easy going as the above choices with egg count to weight
class that I am missing?


I will likely be ordering my birds from one of these two places.

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/index.html
http://www.welphatchery.com/

All information welcomed. I have time because I will likely not order
until around March of next year. You know I have visited the poultry
shows here at the State Fair but there are just so many birds out there
it is hard to find what is best.

Roy

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Vets track spread of bird flu strain
    ... It is still unclear how the virus was transported from the egg farm to ... 400 chickens out of 35,000. ... commercial value of the birds. ... who reported the country's only previous bird flu ...
    (uk.business.agriculture)
  • Re: another newbie
    ... >> What the heck difference does weight and shape make? ... > that eats a great deal but does not give much meat. ... Once this time has passed the birds have been ... >>> There has been next to no breeding of pure breeds for the table in ...
    (sci.agriculture.poultry)
  • Re: Introduction and Questions
    ... young birds in there to prevent the cats from catching them. ... >> I am looking toward the Orpington's mainly because of their egg count ... breeder you buy them from selects for. ... So, you may find a strain of let's say RIR that you find disappointing, ...
    (sci.agriculture.poultry)
  • Re: News: Is Aging an Accident of Evolution?
    ... based on what I had heard and read about lifespans of birds. ... How long was the expected lifespan of those poor red eared turtles ... estimate for humans. ... You can literally go from egg to egg ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Parthogenesis in birds.
    ... it is simply an endless stream of persons ... "Parthenogenesis in birds". ... has dedicated a high level of resources to egg ... those resources go to waste if nothing develops ...
    (talk.origins)