Pickin the Right Chicken

Whether embarking on chicken ownership for the first time or as a seasoned veteran adding to the brood, the list below will set you in the right direction to pick your flock and begin collecting baskets full of eggs.

Egg Color: Let’s make this fun. White eggs are traditional and brown eggs are picking up in popularity. Why not add some dark chocolate brown, creamy pink, or blue/ green eggs to your basket.  Deciding on the color palette of eggs is your first step.

Egg Size: Egg size is something to consider if your backyard chicken adventure is about heaping baskets full of eggs. Mix things up a bit and go with an assortment! Jumbo, Extra Large, Large, Medium and Bantam. Standard breed hens lay medium to jumbo eggs. Bantam breeds produce a tiny egg and technically, two bantam eggs equal one standard large egg. 

Climate: Consider geography, weather and location when selecting your feathered friends.  Areas prone to snowfall and cold winters need birds that are heavier and able to withstand the climate. In hotter areas, consider lighter weight, sleek birds that originated from warmer climates.

Space: Are you raising these chickens in your tiny backyard? Do you have farm land for these feathered friends or are you part of a community garden housing chickens in an inner city lot? Consider space requirements for the breeds you want to raise. You don’t want your ladies cramped and hen pecked.

Flock Size: A laying hen can deliver one egg per day. As an example: Five hens can lay five eggs per day leaving you with 35 eggs per week. That’s a full basket. Scramble up some quiche and share with family, friends and co-workers.

Attitude: Consider temperament, overall behavior and just how you intend to incorporate your chickens into your family and lifestyle. Some breeds are calmer than others and enjoy being picked up and held. Others want nothing to do with you regardless of delicious treats. Breeds fall into categories of attitude and temperament; flighty, active, docile, calm, etc.

Personal Preference: What catches your eye? Select feather patterns, colors and varieties that you prefer.  

Okay fowl fantasize-r, scratch down your thoughts and make your list. Plan accordingly, get cracking, and go for it.