We bought a farm, so therefore we must have chickens. Right? RIGHT!! So I was on a mission to learn everything I could about chicks and chickens. I am not one to really do a lot of research on stuff (that’s my better half’s forte), I usually am a go with my gut type of gal. This time though, I was McGruff the Crime Dog, I wanted to know EVERYTHING.
So I’m very sensible in what I wanted in chickens, flashy, affectionate and I want colored eggs (all the colors)! Did you know that eggs come in blue, green, pink, cream, brown and all shades in-between? I did not know that. I only knew they came in classic white or brown. Did you also know that brown eggs are not healthier than white eggs? Old wives tale I guess. I mean seriously look at all these gorgeous colors from fathenfarms. I feel like Verruca Salt from Willy Wonka…..I WANT THEM ALL!
So I started digging to figure out what kind of chicken lays what color eggs. What chickens are sweet and docile and good “pet-like” chickens. I’m fortunate that our local feed store (Burns Feed Store) has an amazing selection of chicks and a super knowledgeable chick-expert lady to help out with all my newbie questions. I’ll get more into the chickens and the care of them once they are here but I’ll post below the breeds of chicks I ordered and why. I bet you are dying to know so I’ll get on with it already 😉
- The Easter Egger – This little devil is all the rage right now. When they lay their first egg you will finally know what color you will get for the duration of that hen’s egg laying life. Will it be blue, green, pink, or peach maybe?? They are a hybrid chicken and not really a breed but the mutt of the chicken world. No two are alike and I love that it lives up to its name! They are also known for their sweet disposition. It’s like a trifecta of beauty, egg color and personality!!
2. The Olive Egger – A first cousin to the Easter Egger, this little lady lays exclusively purple eggs…nah just kidding. It lays olive green colored eggs! Anyone for Green Eggs and Ham? Another sweet and gentle soul.
3. Giant Blue Cochin – Look at this beauty, oh how I love her. She has feathery legs and fluffy gorgeous feathers. She lays beautiful cream or brown eggs and is on the larger side for a chicken. Large and in charge this lovely lady is FABULOUS! Another personable chicken that I can’t wait to bring home.
4. The Silver Laced Wyandotte – The beauty queen of our flock, just look at those feathers. These hens are great backyard chickens and fun for the whole family. They are a good egg layer and even lay into the colder months, so we will not be without eggs. They also lay a beautiful brown egg that I can’t wait to crack open.
5. Blue Silkie – I mean, do I really need to say anything? This little fluff ball is a request from our daughter, she had to have a couple. One interesting thing about the silkies is their skin and bones are black. Kind of weird but cute weird…this is the most delicate chicken we selected. I had to sneak them on my order when we were at the feed store. It didn’t work and I was caught red handed ordering these and the next one on our list. My chick math is getting out of control.
And last but not least – The Big Momma.
6. Giant Blue Jersey – This is the Godzilla of our group, a big and proud, usually 10lb raptor. We need to make sure the roosts, the door and the coop ladder are well supported for her size. They are almost the size of a turkey! I just love super size things. Wonderfully gentle and great free range chickens. Yes, we will be free ranging…eeek another post in the making.
Okay so there is our list for this year. What did you add to your flock this year and why? I’m dying to add a Frizzle or two but I think my husband would leave me.
Bonus Chicken – The Frizzle
Cheers,
Heather the Crazy Chicken Lady
WildFir Farm 