@VillageIdiot50 If your priority is egg production I would generally recommend Rhode Island Reds. If they are going to be confined to a smaller coop and not let out you might consider Red Stars.
@Mrkaan110 We look for the opposite trait. I do see on the McMurray blog they mention the broodiest are: Cochins, Buff Orpingtons, Light Brahmas, Dark Cornish, Buff Rocks. Youtube won't allow a link but if you google "most broody mcmurray" it will be on top. There are some good comments on the post as well.
@Mrkaan110 Nothing like a silkie, most will sit on almost every egg they lay and they readily accept the eggs of other birds. Only problem really is their size so they struggle covering lots of eggs.....why not get two then???
Just as an FYI - Ameraucanas and Araucanas are two different breeds. The ones you have are mutts called "Easter Egg chickens" despite what your supplier said they were. True Ameraucanas only come in certain colors and only lay blue eggs, no green, and don't have green legs either. True Araucanas are very rare, have no tail, and no fluffy face.They also only lay blue eggs, and only come in certain colors. Also, Barred Rocks aren't always flighty nor broody. Depends on the strain.
@Illiasc There continues a strong debate as well as conflicting definitions. Many say that Ameraucanas aren't a breed and the only accurate label is "blue egg layer." Hatcheries have adopted a common, though arguably incorrect, nomenclature. I've used it for simplicity. If you order an "Araucana" what we show is generally what you'll get.
No breed always exhibits one particular behavior but there are trends. A barred rock or RIR is far more likely to be broody than a red star.
@victoryfarm True, debate arises all the time, but Ameraucanas are indeed a true purebred breed. The birds sold as Ameraucanas in most cases are not though. True Ameraucanas aren't offered by hatcheries, but actually are a breed accepted by the American Poultry Association and even have a national Breeders Club. Same for Araucanas too. And there's also plenty articles out there that help tell the difference between those two and the mutts from hatcheries falsely called A(me)raucanas
@angrynhpatriot I had a book that said 5 foot would keep them in. One day while putting up a new fence I went in for lunch and came out to see three chickens perched on top of three of the fence posts. They will jump a 4 foot fence easily. 6 foot if determined. Clipping their wings can help that but it's considered inhumane.
@victoryfarm sorry for another question....do they tend to take off or do they like to stay close to the coop or other chiks...thanks..i live almost downtown and am worried about chickens in the 5 way intersection
@angrynhpatriot I've seen different flocks do very different things -- but mine will travel a few hundred feet away from the coop. They will also happily dig up a neighbor's flower beds and poop on their porch. If this is a concern you may need to do a covered run or portable coop (chicken tractor) if you want grass fed.
Cool. U live in NJ. Same here. I have a question. Do u know how u can tell between a unfertles egg to an fertile egg. Cause I am studing about farm animals. So when I grow up I can be able to know what I am doing if I want to keep animals. And one of them would be chickens. I like the plymouth rock chickens. There so beautiful. But I never know how u can tell if it is fertile or unfertle because they look the same to me in eggs.
@Bugie78 As far as I know there is no way to detect a fertile egg until the embryo has developed. When we incubated eggs the procedure was to candle after two weeks or so and discard eggs without embryos. At that point it was pretty obvious.
@TexianPride Our temperatures here run from about 100 - 9 so it's not very much different on the high end. I think any standard breed should be fine so it comes down to whether you want to focus on maximizing production or to go for personality and color. For production Rhode Island Reds and Araucanas are very hearty and lay well. For personality one of our favorite are the Brahmas (light, dark and buff).
Also, true Araucanas are rumpless and have ear tufts. Of course, not all do because the ear tuft gene is fatal when homozygous. Ameraucanas have tails and beards instead of ear tufts. Both breeds ONLY lay BLUE eggs. If they lay a green egg, they are an easter egger, not purebred.
Your birds are enclosed too many to a pen and they aren't getting mentally stimulated enough. You can tell because some of the hens are missing feathers from their backs and the rooster's rump has been pecked free of feathers. Otherwise, they look to be in good condition. Nice video.
@ThunderOrb All of our birds spend the day fully ranged. Chickens peck. We find the reds do more than most. Had a batch of red star's once that were really bad though generally I find the hydrids peck less.
@mrssummit49 I have found that ISA type hybrids don't survive harsh conditions as well a pure-breeds however I know that others have not had a problem. If your willing to put in the effort it should be fine just make sure you watch the humidity on your coop. Humidity is a killer and inside the coop is far worse in the winter than it is in the summer.
@aoxasims Any breed can be raised to be friendly. We don't since our flock are all production birds. The differences in breeds we've observed are based on that baseline.
Our barred rocks are very flighty -- which is good for them as they have survived our predator onslaught well. Bad for us since they have the lowest lay rate of all our birds.
Thanks for the great video. I also want to thank all the folks who had comments and questions as they were very helpful also. I'm in the upstate of SouthCarolina and want to start raising chickens for the eggs and meat. From what I've learned on the Internet about chickens I think the best way to go is to use this winter that's coming up to build and get ready in general for a spring start with baby chicks. I still need to decide on the best breed for my area and needs.
@sc6chuck9 That's an excellent plan. Though if you do get impatient your southern climate should allow year round brooding without a problem. My Sumter-based kin are always bragging about their warm winters compared to here in NJ.
I can't fully answer that question -- we don't incubate here. If you're looking to have the highest possible production a small commercial incubator is probably your best bet, though it takes a good amount of time to become proficient in it's use.
To boost egg production consider putting a light in your coop in winter months. Google "lights in chicken coop" for many articles.
I really like your advise,what sould i do to stimulates purebred to lay moore eggs,by collecting eggs regulary or by collecting chicks so she can go back to layer.that if i have a incubator and if i want to use natural incubation.many thanks.
@19785881 Never timed it but it feels like two or three weeks. Found this on wiki answers: "A hen should only be broody for the time it takes to hatch her eggs, 21 days. However there are extremes.
The commercially bred egg layers of today rarely go broody and if they do start they may stop at anytime, 2 day, 2 weeks. At the other end of the spectrum there are hens that never stop brooding, and will even sit on rocks for weeks on end, usually to the detriment of their health."
We own two Rhode island reds and black Australian Orpington. Since we bought them at first monday trades day from the same place as they where raised the same way and are supposed to be friendly breeds, I thought they'd be all alike. Turns out though we got 3 personalities. Almost hum
We own two rhode island reds and black austolorp. Since we bought them at first monday trades day from the same place as they where raised the same way and are supposed to be friendly breeds, I thought they'd be all alike. Turns out though we got 3 personalities. Almost human!
Honestly, it's just like dog breeds. It depends how you raise them. PBS did a doc called "The Natural History of the Chicken" which you might find interesting. They cover people who raise chickens to be pets.
@musicccool Never heard of turkey but guinea fowl were standard equipment on farms. They won't defend against predators but make such a noise they get scared away (or so I've heard). I might consider that for 2012.
@pshyco714 Took a few pictures when I found one just walking down the driveway last year.
I've always wanted to add some other birds to our farm but running the chicken operation has been more than enough work. If I ever have the time I would love to do pheasant and quail.
@DJG133 There are many sites. The one I've had the best luck with is "McMurray Hatchery" Google it as YouTube doesn't allow links. All such sites have a minimum of 25. If that's too many look for a local Agway or feed store. If you don't have one try Craig's List.
Hmmm...We used to live in your area...Kennedy Courts in Ft. Dix... What's your opinion of the Jersey Giant? We have 7.... 6 hens and a rooster. The roo just started crowing...So far he's showing no aggression.
@ancestralblue Yes, that was very close. I 've never tried the Jersey Giants but I understand they lay about 160 eggs per year. We look for a min of 280 per year. Most of our roos have never been aggressive. Just a few.
@brandonashplant The bird at 1:37 is a very generically named "brown egg layer." I suspect they are very close to the ISA hybrid type. Very friendly and easy to handle but they don't tolerate winter as well as standard breeds. Depends on your situation. We got those from [url removed]. (And YAY for Doctor Who!!!)
@brandonashplant huh -- it won't let me post the url even spelled out so let's try this. the domain name is moyerschicks then there is a period and a com.
@brandonashplant Yes, it is a hybrid. Most hatcheries call their hybrids "red stars." These were a good bit different than Red Stars. Even lighter in color and more docile.
@brandonashplant There are many breeds that would make nice pets. One of my favs are the Brahmas, both the light and the buffs. As @TheUkeUkeable points out any breed can be brought up to be docile and friendly, just get in there and handle them everyday. For a pet my experience is limited by my choices would be the Brahmas, Rhode Island Reds and Red Stars. Maybe @TheUkeUkeable has some other suggestions?
I suppose you were joking about the broody part, but just to clarify, "going broody" is when a hen decides to incubate eggs, and hatch chicks. It does not mean they're going to try and peck your hand off, lol. All my chickens are so tame that they don't peck at all, even if they're broody. Still, bared rocks are a very nice breed to have as well. ANY kind of chicken can become very tame and easy to catch. You're not going to catch em by just running after them.
@TheUkeUkeable I would mostly agree on the broody. Although most broody hens won't peck there are plenty who do - very aggressively. I haven't really noticed a difference among breeds but more of an individual thing.
On your other comment I would disagree. We raise about 100 birds per year & have seen remarkable differences among breeds. The difference between ISA-hybrid type layers and Auracanas are vast. Though neither is very likely to brood. Whereas RIR and b-rocks are very likely to brood.
@victoryfarm Well yes, I have raised 100s of birds as well, but have found that if they're tame, they will be very few individuals that peck even when broody. If they don't see you as a threat, they usually won't peck, although of course some breeds are more likely to (barred rock hens can be amazingly aggressive!).
I didn't actually say that there aren't differences between breeds - there are plenty. Just saying ALL breeds can be made very tame, and very easy to catch. :)
@TheUkeUkeable For us having them tame is the last thing we want. We loose over 50 birds a year to predators. The harder to catch the better -- which is why the ISA hybrids were such a disaster. They're naturally tame and die very quickly on the range. Rocks do well but their lay rate is too low for us (150/yr). Auracanas also survive well and have a better lay (240/yr). Though mostly we do RIR (300/yr) who have a marginally lower survival rate but most of our customers want brown eggs.
@victoryfarm Wow, 50 chickens per year?! Half the flock?? :O Do you live in a very high-predator area? I've heard good things about the Nite Guard - have you looked into anything like that? For me, losing 50 a year would NOT be acceptable, but it's hard to keep them safe and free-range at the same time I guess. Though there is a difference between them being tame and not wary enough. I find that even my tamest chickens are very wary of predators (though the hybrids are sort of....dumber). :)
@TheUkeUkeable A little less than half - we try to start with 120 - 170 total each year. Yes, it's a high predator area. Seems to me it got worse when Ft. Dix, McGuire AFB and the Navy base merged to a "superbase." They razed a huge tract of land about 1/4 mile away for a new housing. Thinking it pushed preds this way. Other farms having similar problems. Rarely loose any at night to Nite Guard won't help. Mostly hawk and racoon during the day plus the occasional fox. Coyote has been sighted too
@victoryfarm And on catching chickens, most of mine are more flighty breeds, but I've gotten them just as tame. Just chasing after a chicken is almost never the easiest way. I've found that sort of 'sidling up' to them, instead of approaching directly works much better. There are many, MANY other techniques, but it's hard to explain in words. Few people know how to easily catch chickens it seems. Sorry if that sounded arrogant...Maybe I'll make a video showing some techniques sometime! :D
@TheUkeUkeable Didn't sound arrogant. My first year I could barely catch one. We too have gotten quite good at it. Inside is easy. Outside takes some skill.
I live in the suburbs of Atlanta, I have a fenced in yard and want about four chickens for eggs and for the kids. I like the hybrids you mentioned. What name do they go by.
@GOP4USA The most common hybrids are called "Red Stars" but some places call them "hybrid layers" or "ISA layers." Andy Schneider does a bunch of backyard flock stuff around Atlanta and has a local radio show on chickens. Just google "Chicken Whisperer" and he's the first result. Good Luck!
We've never done any production breeding. We've had very bad luck with all hybrids. They have many short-term benefits but we've found they are not hearty enough for pastured production. Whether from predators or disease they are always the first to die. As such we stick with established hatcheries to provide us with good stock.
@Adam62478 We've never done any production breeding. We've had very bad luck with all hybrids. They have many short-term benefits but we've found they are not hearty enough for pastured production. Whether from predators or disease they are always the first to die. As such we stick with established hatcheries to provide us with good stock.
What would be the best breed for a beginner who is looking to sell eggs? I would like one that is nice and do you have any other tips on selecting them?
@TheRavenswood10 Sorry -- didn't see your question until today. Best breed depends on your environment. If you're going to have them on a pasture I recommend Rhode Island Reds and Araucanas. They survive well, are relatively easy to handle and have a good lay ratio. If you're going to keep them confined and live in a moderate climate then you might consider a hybrid breed like Red Stars.
I have a really small flock (18) and only use them for eggs. They are coming into their second year this spring and I'm being told that it will be time to kill and replace them. I'm not really in this for constant production; I really love my hens and love to sit with them and take in their calm clucking. I thought chickens could lay up to their fifth year? True?
We stopped free ranging after two of our birds were taken out by coyotes. Now they're in a 30 x 9 ft enclosure - safe.
@klbcn The two year rule only applies if you want to maximize your egg-per-pound-of-feed-ratio. After two years egg production does decrease, but does not stop. We're a no kill farm and we have some fairly old birds that are still laying just fine.
@bontiban YouTubewon't let me post links so... for Closest ISAs I found google "moyerschicks". Most popular hybrid is "Red Star." For those check out "mcmurrayhatchery"
I been researching to find a chicken that has the top quaility meat that you just cant beat. Im a foody and want to raise the best tasting chickens but i also want those chickens to be able to breed to type.or reproduce.i rely just want " a bird thats known for top quality meat(good flavor/moist) BUT also i can reproduce with just a rooster and a hen and good old mother nature to breed together and get that same top quality meat in the chicks.?????
@ThisIsKingBalls I'm afraid it's more complicated than that. The meat you buy in a supermarket are specialized hybrids that don't look much like chickens.
Before hybrids meat came from dual-purpose or "heavy" breeds. Google McMurray Hatchery you'll see links.
Raising birds for great tasting meat or eggs is somewhat of an art. Diet, environment, and lifestyle need to be fine-tuned. Free ranging is the best but you can loose from 25% - 75% per year to preds. So take that into account.
@xxnethersxx We don't. We lose money but closer to breaking even every year. Currently we keep 80 - 140 birds in 2 coops. To make it profitable we would need to have many more and cull all birds over 2 yrs old. We would need to sell direct in the more urban markets which command a much higher price.
i am looking to rearing 10 million chickens.....
shaunshaun88 3 days ago
What would you suggest for begginner egglaying backyard chickens in Eastern Massachusetts.
VillageIdiot50 4 days ago
@VillageIdiot50 If your priority is egg production I would generally recommend Rhode Island Reds. If they are going to be confined to a smaller coop and not let out you might consider Red Stars.
victoryfarm 4 days ago
im looking for a very broody breed. Any ideas
Mrkaan110 2 weeks ago
@Mrkaan110 We look for the opposite trait. I do see on the McMurray blog they mention the broodiest are: Cochins, Buff Orpingtons, Light Brahmas, Dark Cornish, Buff Rocks. Youtube won't allow a link but if you google "most broody mcmurray" it will be on top. There are some good comments on the post as well.
victoryfarm 1 week ago
@Mrkaan110 Nothing like a silkie, most will sit on almost every egg they lay and they readily accept the eggs of other birds. Only problem really is their size so they struggle covering lots of eggs.....why not get two then???
TheRavenousCoral 5 days ago
Just as an FYI - Ameraucanas and Araucanas are two different breeds. The ones you have are mutts called "Easter Egg chickens" despite what your supplier said they were. True Ameraucanas only come in certain colors and only lay blue eggs, no green, and don't have green legs either. True Araucanas are very rare, have no tail, and no fluffy face.They also only lay blue eggs, and only come in certain colors. Also, Barred Rocks aren't always flighty nor broody. Depends on the strain.
Illiasc 3 weeks ago
@Illiasc There continues a strong debate as well as conflicting definitions. Many say that Ameraucanas aren't a breed and the only accurate label is "blue egg layer." Hatcheries have adopted a common, though arguably incorrect, nomenclature. I've used it for simplicity. If you order an "Araucana" what we show is generally what you'll get.
No breed always exhibits one particular behavior but there are trends. A barred rock or RIR is far more likely to be broody than a red star.
victoryfarm 3 weeks ago
@victoryfarm True, debate arises all the time, but Ameraucanas are indeed a true purebred breed. The birds sold as Ameraucanas in most cases are not though. True Ameraucanas aren't offered by hatcheries, but actually are a breed accepted by the American Poultry Association and even have a national Breeders Club. Same for Araucanas too. And there's also plenty articles out there that help tell the difference between those two and the mutts from hatcheries falsely called A(me)raucanas
Illiasc 3 weeks ago
will a chicken jump the property fence or do they usually stay put...i have a 4 or so foot chain link ..what do ya think
angrynhpatriot 3 weeks ago
@angrynhpatriot I had a book that said 5 foot would keep them in. One day while putting up a new fence I went in for lunch and came out to see three chickens perched on top of three of the fence posts. They will jump a 4 foot fence easily. 6 foot if determined. Clipping their wings can help that but it's considered inhumane.
victoryfarm 3 weeks ago
@victoryfarm sorry for another question....do they tend to take off or do they like to stay close to the coop or other chiks...thanks..i live almost downtown and am worried about chickens in the 5 way intersection
angrynhpatriot 3 weeks ago
@angrynhpatriot I've seen different flocks do very different things -- but mine will travel a few hundred feet away from the coop. They will also happily dig up a neighbor's flower beds and poop on their porch. If this is a concern you may need to do a covered run or portable coop (chicken tractor) if you want grass fed.
victoryfarm 3 weeks ago
Cool. U live in NJ. Same here. I have a question. Do u know how u can tell between a unfertles egg to an fertile egg. Cause I am studing about farm animals. So when I grow up I can be able to know what I am doing if I want to keep animals. And one of them would be chickens. I like the plymouth rock chickens. There so beautiful. But I never know how u can tell if it is fertile or unfertle because they look the same to me in eggs.
Bugie78 3 weeks ago
@Bugie78 As far as I know there is no way to detect a fertile egg until the embryo has developed. When we incubated eggs the procedure was to candle after two weeks or so and discard eggs without embryos. At that point it was pretty obvious.
victoryfarm 3 weeks ago
@victoryfarm Ok thank u very much this will help in my reasherch. :)
Bugie78 3 weeks ago
I waste a lot of time watching pointless videos... but that's what you must do in order to come across videos with great information. Thanks!
amazonhippie 4 weeks ago
New Hampshire reds for the win :-)
kataisa3 1 month ago
Do rhode island reds get broody?
Mrkaan110 1 month ago
@Mrkaan110
Yes they do. In my experience all of the pure breed chickens do.
victoryfarm 1 month ago
I have a barred rock and she is among the easiest to catch and handle, and she's very friendly. The barred rock roosters are another story.
inbredagogo 1 month ago
outstanding video bud, well done, very informative.
Rain4Fuel 1 month ago
I live in north Texas we have 108 degree summers and 30 degree winters what would be a good egg laying chicken for Texas?
My grandmother had chickens back when we lived in Mississippi but shes not sure what would be a good egg laying chicken here.
Worried our summers and winters are to harsh for them
TexianPride 1 month ago
@TexianPride Our temperatures here run from about 100 - 9 so it's not very much different on the high end. I think any standard breed should be fine so it comes down to whether you want to focus on maximizing production or to go for personality and color. For production Rhode Island Reds and Araucanas are very hearty and lay well. For personality one of our favorite are the Brahmas (light, dark and buff).
victoryfarm 1 month ago
@victoryfarm Thanks alot, been a little weary of jumping in to it without asking :)
TexianPride 1 month ago
Dont peck my eye out! lol
rosazone85 1 month ago
Also, true Araucanas are rumpless and have ear tufts. Of course, not all do because the ear tuft gene is fatal when homozygous. Ameraucanas have tails and beards instead of ear tufts. Both breeds ONLY lay BLUE eggs. If they lay a green egg, they are an easter egger, not purebred.
ThunderOrb 1 month ago
@ThunderOrb All true but I stay out of the debate. The hatcheries all call them Araucanas so when I write about breeds I use that.
victoryfarm 1 month ago
Your birds are enclosed too many to a pen and they aren't getting mentally stimulated enough. You can tell because some of the hens are missing feathers from their backs and the rooster's rump has been pecked free of feathers. Otherwise, they look to be in good condition. Nice video.
ThunderOrb 1 month ago
@ThunderOrb All of our birds spend the day fully ranged. Chickens peck. We find the reds do more than most. Had a batch of red star's once that were really bad though generally I find the hydrids peck less.
victoryfarm 1 month ago 2
It's funny how the chickens where chasing the tractor...Sorta.
TheAwesomekitten 1 month ago
I was surprised to see a chicken picking at the rooster! Bit of a push-over, eh?!
peaceniq 1 month ago
@peaceniq That rooster was quite the pushover. Very sweet natured.
victoryfarm 1 month ago
what kind of rooster is that at 5:40
spenceman12345 2 months ago
@spenceman12345 He is an Araucana. He was a good rooster who was unfortunately killed by a weasel about three weeks ago.
victoryfarm 2 months ago
I really want a isa hybrid layer but we live in minnesota would a heater and a light in the coop keep her alive?
mrssummit49 2 months ago
@mrssummit49 I have found that ISA type hybrids don't survive harsh conditions as well a pure-breeds however I know that others have not had a problem. If your willing to put in the effort it should be fine just make sure you watch the humidity on your coop. Humidity is a killer and inside the coop is far worse in the winter than it is in the summer.
victoryfarm 2 months ago
Buff Brahmas for the win!
hoosierhiver 3 months ago
I don't get it.. My barred rocks are my most friendly breed lol. They will jump right into your lap..
aoxasims 3 months ago
@aoxasims Any breed can be raised to be friendly. We don't since our flock are all production birds. The differences in breeds we've observed are based on that baseline.
Our barred rocks are very flighty -- which is good for them as they have survived our predator onslaught well. Bad for us since they have the lowest lay rate of all our birds.
victoryfarm 3 months ago
Thanks for the great video. I also want to thank all the folks who had comments and questions as they were very helpful also. I'm in the upstate of SouthCarolina and want to start raising chickens for the eggs and meat. From what I've learned on the Internet about chickens I think the best way to go is to use this winter that's coming up to build and get ready in general for a spring start with baby chicks. I still need to decide on the best breed for my area and needs.
sc6chuck9 3 months ago
@sc6chuck9 That's an excellent plan. Though if you do get impatient your southern climate should allow year round brooding without a problem. My Sumter-based kin are always bragging about their warm winters compared to here in NJ.
victoryfarm 3 months ago
Barred Rocks are from me.
MrBagginsEsq 4 months ago
I can't fully answer that question -- we don't incubate here. If you're looking to have the highest possible production a small commercial incubator is probably your best bet, though it takes a good amount of time to become proficient in it's use.
To boost egg production consider putting a light in your coop in winter months. Google "lights in chicken coop" for many articles.
victoryfarm 4 months ago
I really like your advise,what sould i do to stimulates purebred to lay moore eggs,by collecting eggs regulary or by collecting chicks so she can go back to layer.that if i have a incubator and if i want to use natural incubation.many thanks.
19785881 4 months ago
Thank you for the video,once you collecte eggs or chicks from a hen that goes broody,how long will it takes for the bird to start laying again
19785881 4 months ago
@19785881 Never timed it but it feels like two or three weeks. Found this on wiki answers: "A hen should only be broody for the time it takes to hatch her eggs, 21 days. However there are extremes.
The commercially bred egg layers of today rarely go broody and if they do start they may stop at anytime, 2 day, 2 weeks. At the other end of the spectrum there are hens that never stop brooding, and will even sit on rocks for weeks on end, usually to the detriment of their health."
victoryfarm 4 months ago
Thanks for the information. It is very helpful.
xiragata 5 months ago
@cenation137 brambams i have many they all sit in my arms
zeeRooster 5 months ago
good and informative
binashraf 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
We own two Rhode island reds and black Australian Orpington. Since we bought them at first monday trades day from the same place as they where raised the same way and are supposed to be friendly breeds, I thought they'd be all alike. Turns out though we got 3 personalities. Almost hum
MrBagginsEsq 5 months ago
We own two rhode island reds and black austolorp. Since we bought them at first monday trades day from the same place as they where raised the same way and are supposed to be friendly breeds, I thought they'd be all alike. Turns out though we got 3 personalities. Almost human!
MrBagginsEsq 5 months ago
2:44 Chicken Fail Or Fall I Should Say!
bobcrawman34 5 months ago
@cenation137
Cartoon chickens.
Honestly, it's just like dog breeds. It depends how you raise them. PBS did a doc called "The Natural History of the Chicken" which you might find interesting. They cover people who raise chickens to be pets.
victoryfarm 6 months ago
Very helpful information, and it made me laugh, too, especially when you were trying to get the hybrid to fly free.
ixchelkali 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Very helpful video! I'm getting some hens very soon!
Do you ever have to clip their wings?
SquaresCircles 6 months ago
Very helpful video! I'm getting some hens very soon!
Do you ever have to clip their wings?
SquaresCircles 6 months ago
@SquaresCircles No we never do. I've read that it's done but I've never met anyone who has. Seems like a bad idea to me.
victoryfarm 6 months ago
@musicccool That's a "buff brahma" They're a nice, friendly breed.
victoryfarm 6 months ago
@darksoul66100 The end is nigh, my little Otaku!
victoryfarm 6 months ago
@musicccool Never heard of turkey but guinea fowl were standard equipment on farms. They won't defend against predators but make such a noise they get scared away (or so I've heard). I might consider that for 2012.
victoryfarm 6 months ago
hey victoryfarm
do you anything about pheasants
pshyco714 7 months ago
@pshyco714 Took a few pictures when I found one just walking down the driveway last year.
I've always wanted to add some other birds to our farm but running the chicken operation has been more than enough work. If I ever have the time I would love to do pheasant and quail.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
hey is their a site you could purchase chickens or where do you buy your chickens?
DJG133 7 months ago
@DJG133 There are many sites. The one I've had the best luck with is "McMurray Hatchery" Google it as YouTube doesn't allow links. All such sites have a minimum of 25. If that's too many look for a local Agway or feed store. If you don't have one try Craig's List.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
how about black australorps? what can you say about'm? i live in Los Angeles and i was hoping they're docile, QUIET, and friendly..
definitely, i will look into hybrids
FookYoo 7 months ago
@FookYoo Sorry, never tried black australorps. Skeptical on the quiet part. I've never met a quiet chicken.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
Hmmm...We used to live in your area...Kennedy Courts in Ft. Dix... What's your opinion of the Jersey Giant? We have 7.... 6 hens and a rooster. The roo just started crowing...So far he's showing no aggression.
ancestralblue 7 months ago
@ancestralblue Yes, that was very close. I 've never tried the Jersey Giants but I understand they lay about 160 eggs per year. We look for a min of 280 per year. Most of our roos have never been aggressive. Just a few.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
at 1:37 what was that brown chicken called? sorry I did not quiet get what s was called by the way nice vid!
brandonashplant 7 months ago
@brandonashplant The bird at 1:37 is a very generically named "brown egg layer." I suspect they are very close to the ISA hybrid type. Very friendly and easy to handle but they don't tolerate winter as well as standard breeds. Depends on your situation. We got those from [url removed]. (And YAY for Doctor Who!!!)
victoryfarm 7 months ago
@brandonashplant huh -- it won't let me post the url even spelled out so let's try this. the domain name is moyerschicks then there is a period and a com.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
@victoryfarm that's OK I got it now is it a hybrid brown chicken?
brandonashplant 7 months ago
@brandonashplant Yes, it is a hybrid. Most hatcheries call their hybrids "red stars." These were a good bit different than Red Stars. Even lighter in color and more docile.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
@victoryfarm cool and thanks for the info so is that the chicken u would recommend for a pet if not what chicken would u recommend to have as a pet?
brandonashplant 7 months ago
@brandonashplant There are many breeds that would make nice pets. One of my favs are the Brahmas, both the light and the buffs. As @TheUkeUkeable points out any breed can be brought up to be docile and friendly, just get in there and handle them everyday. For a pet my experience is limited by my choices would be the Brahmas, Rhode Island Reds and Red Stars. Maybe @TheUkeUkeable has some other suggestions?
victoryfarm 7 months ago
I suppose you were joking about the broody part, but just to clarify, "going broody" is when a hen decides to incubate eggs, and hatch chicks. It does not mean they're going to try and peck your hand off, lol. All my chickens are so tame that they don't peck at all, even if they're broody. Still, bared rocks are a very nice breed to have as well. ANY kind of chicken can become very tame and easy to catch. You're not going to catch em by just running after them.
TheUkeUkeable 7 months ago
@TheUkeUkeable I would mostly agree on the broody. Although most broody hens won't peck there are plenty who do - very aggressively. I haven't really noticed a difference among breeds but more of an individual thing.
On your other comment I would disagree. We raise about 100 birds per year & have seen remarkable differences among breeds. The difference between ISA-hybrid type layers and Auracanas are vast. Though neither is very likely to brood. Whereas RIR and b-rocks are very likely to brood.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
@victoryfarm Well yes, I have raised 100s of birds as well, but have found that if they're tame, they will be very few individuals that peck even when broody. If they don't see you as a threat, they usually won't peck, although of course some breeds are more likely to (barred rock hens can be amazingly aggressive!).
I didn't actually say that there aren't differences between breeds - there are plenty. Just saying ALL breeds can be made very tame, and very easy to catch. :)
TheUkeUkeable 7 months ago
@TheUkeUkeable For us having them tame is the last thing we want. We loose over 50 birds a year to predators. The harder to catch the better -- which is why the ISA hybrids were such a disaster. They're naturally tame and die very quickly on the range. Rocks do well but their lay rate is too low for us (150/yr). Auracanas also survive well and have a better lay (240/yr). Though mostly we do RIR (300/yr) who have a marginally lower survival rate but most of our customers want brown eggs.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
@victoryfarm Wow, 50 chickens per year?! Half the flock?? :O Do you live in a very high-predator area? I've heard good things about the Nite Guard - have you looked into anything like that? For me, losing 50 a year would NOT be acceptable, but it's hard to keep them safe and free-range at the same time I guess. Though there is a difference between them being tame and not wary enough. I find that even my tamest chickens are very wary of predators (though the hybrids are sort of....dumber). :)
TheUkeUkeable 7 months ago
@TheUkeUkeable A little less than half - we try to start with 120 - 170 total each year. Yes, it's a high predator area. Seems to me it got worse when Ft. Dix, McGuire AFB and the Navy base merged to a "superbase." They razed a huge tract of land about 1/4 mile away for a new housing. Thinking it pushed preds this way. Other farms having similar problems. Rarely loose any at night to Nite Guard won't help. Mostly hawk and racoon during the day plus the occasional fox. Coyote has been sighted too
victoryfarm 7 months ago
@victoryfarm And on catching chickens, most of mine are more flighty breeds, but I've gotten them just as tame. Just chasing after a chicken is almost never the easiest way. I've found that sort of 'sidling up' to them, instead of approaching directly works much better. There are many, MANY other techniques, but it's hard to explain in words. Few people know how to easily catch chickens it seems. Sorry if that sounded arrogant...Maybe I'll make a video showing some techniques sometime! :D
TheUkeUkeable 7 months ago
@TheUkeUkeable Didn't sound arrogant. My first year I could barely catch one. We too have gotten quite good at it. Inside is easy. Outside takes some skill.
victoryfarm 7 months ago
I live in the suburbs of Atlanta, I have a fenced in yard and want about four chickens for eggs and for the kids. I like the hybrids you mentioned. What name do they go by.
GOP4USA 8 months ago
@GOP4USA The most common hybrids are called "Red Stars" but some places call them "hybrid layers" or "ISA layers." Andy Schneider does a bunch of backyard flock stuff around Atlanta and has a local radio show on chickens. Just google "Chicken Whisperer" and he's the first result. Good Luck!
victoryfarm 8 months ago
We've never done any production breeding. We've had very bad luck with all hybrids. They have many short-term benefits but we've found they are not hearty enough for pastured production. Whether from predators or disease they are always the first to die. As such we stick with established hatcheries to provide us with good stock.
victoryfarm 9 months ago
I was woundering if you just randomly pick birds for breeding as in putting them with a rooster but i would put isa birds and white rock aswell !!
Adam62478 9 months ago
@Adam62478 We've never done any production breeding. We've had very bad luck with all hybrids. They have many short-term benefits but we've found they are not hearty enough for pastured production. Whether from predators or disease they are always the first to die. As such we stick with established hatcheries to provide us with good stock.
victoryfarm 9 months ago
aww thanks for the video (:
nightttshaade 11 months ago
What would be the best breed for a beginner who is looking to sell eggs? I would like one that is nice and do you have any other tips on selecting them?
TheRavenswood10 1 year ago
@TheRavenswood10 Sorry -- didn't see your question until today. Best breed depends on your environment. If you're going to have them on a pasture I recommend Rhode Island Reds and Araucanas. They survive well, are relatively easy to handle and have a good lay ratio. If you're going to keep them confined and live in a moderate climate then you might consider a hybrid breed like Red Stars.
victoryfarm 9 months ago
I have a really small flock (18) and only use them for eggs. They are coming into their second year this spring and I'm being told that it will be time to kill and replace them. I'm not really in this for constant production; I really love my hens and love to sit with them and take in their calm clucking. I thought chickens could lay up to their fifth year? True?
We stopped free ranging after two of our birds were taken out by coyotes. Now they're in a 30 x 9 ft enclosure - safe.
klbcn 1 year ago
@klbcn The two year rule only applies if you want to maximize your egg-per-pound-of-feed-ratio. After two years egg production does decrease, but does not stop. We're a no kill farm and we have some fairly old birds that are still laying just fine.
victoryfarm 1 year ago
Love this video. Lots of info
mschickville 1 year ago
where do you get the ISA hybrids?
bontiban 1 year ago
@bontiban YouTubewon't let me post links so... for Closest ISAs I found google "moyerschicks". Most popular hybrid is "Red Star." For those check out "mcmurrayhatchery"
victoryfarm 1 year ago
thanks.
vidaripollen 1 year ago
Thanks for these productive videos, it's really nice to have stuff like this on the internet.
Denali1254 1 year ago
I been researching to find a chicken that has the top quaility meat that you just cant beat. Im a foody and want to raise the best tasting chickens but i also want those chickens to be able to breed to type.or reproduce.i rely just want " a bird thats known for top quality meat(good flavor/moist) BUT also i can reproduce with just a rooster and a hen and good old mother nature to breed together and get that same top quality meat in the chicks.?????
ThisIsKingBalls 1 year ago
@ThisIsKingBalls I'm afraid it's more complicated than that. The meat you buy in a supermarket are specialized hybrids that don't look much like chickens.
Before hybrids meat came from dual-purpose or "heavy" breeds. Google McMurray Hatchery you'll see links.
Raising birds for great tasting meat or eggs is somewhat of an art. Diet, environment, and lifestyle need to be fine-tuned. Free ranging is the best but you can loose from 25% - 75% per year to preds. So take that into account.
victoryfarm 1 year ago
not to be nosey but about how much do you make a year and how many birds do you have
xxnethersxx 1 year ago
@xxnethersxx We don't. We lose money but closer to breaking even every year. Currently we keep 80 - 140 birds in 2 coops. To make it profitable we would need to have many more and cull all birds over 2 yrs old. We would need to sell direct in the more urban markets which command a much higher price.
victoryfarm 1 year ago
@victoryfarm or chicken prices may shoot up.that s one thing that may happen and sure to improve profitability.
vidaripollen 1 year ago