Spring Chickens!
/Each Spring at Better Farm, we address, expand, revamp, and otherwise improve our flock of hen
s, roosters, c
hicken tractors and coops
.
Now coming into our FIFTH spring (!!), we've got a rotating system for adding
new members to the group by hatching, adoption, rescue, or purchase. One year we adopt, rescue, and/or purchase new birds, and the following
year we
hatch some of our own hybrid babies. With the tas
k of
rehabbing birds from factories
(and keeping all our b
irds free
-range, su
sceptib
le to
)
come inevitable losses
; so each spring is an opportunity to replenish the flock and diversi
fy the gene pool.
In addition to adopting and reha
bbing birds, we provide rehoming services to bir
ds we've r
aised and
/or rehabilitated. If you're interested in adopting a rooster or
, plea
se contact us at info@betterf
arm.org.
When you're figuring out what kind of chickens to get, there are three very important considerations: weather hardiness, temperament, and egg production/meat. It does you no good to get a Silky in the North Country (they hate the cold!), or a decora
ti
ve bird that only lay
s
two or three eggs a week when you're
trying to
produce your
own eggs for eating
or selling.
With all these factors in mind, here's the
lowdown on the feathered friends we'll be adding to our flock
From
. Keep in mind we'll also be adopting about 10 more leghorns from a local egg factory to be r
ehabbed and rehomed as free-range he
ns.
The German Spitzhauben is an active, ornamental bird
originating from Switzerland that actually flies fairly well for a chicken. Originally bred for steep mountainous terrain
, they are good climbers and foragers
, they will forage most of their food if given the chance to. They like to roost in trees especially during cold snaps. They boast a single pointed hood, with feathers defined as crazy in a “Cruella
De Vil” sort of way. Their average maturity weight is
5.5 lbs. for a rooster, 4 lbs. for a hen.
Class:
Europe
Origin:
Switzerland
Comb Type:
V-Shaped Comb
Egg Color:
White
Egg Size:
Meduim
Production:
Fair/Good
Matures:
Early
Bird Size:
Small 4 - 6 lbs.
Broody:
No
Hardiness:
Very Cold Hardy
Personality:
Active, Flyer
Introduced in the mid 19th century from China, they were imported to England in 1840. The American Poultry fanciers refined the original stock into a large stately breed. They make a good dual purpose breed and though they may only lay 3 or 4 eggs a week, they are known for good winter production. Brahmas do alright in confinement but do much better if they have access to an outdoor run. They are mellow, quite hardy and make good pets. Brahmas are comfortable in heat and cold.
Class:
Asiatic
Origin:
India/China/ U.S.
Comb Type:
Pea Comb
Egg Color:
Brown
Egg Size:
Medium
Production:
Good
Matures:
Slow
Bird Size:
Heavy 9 1/2 - 12 lbs.
Broody:
Frequently
Hardiness:
Hardy in Cold and Heat
Personality: Gentle, easy to handle
Buff Orpingtons are a popular dual-purpose variety and are sometimes called "Big Bufffs."
This is a friendly and affectionate breed which would be good for children. Since they are so calm and quiet they can become bullied by an aggressive breed.
Because
they are loosely feathered, they appear to be heavier than their true weights. Their golden buff feathers are broad and smooth-fitting on this deep-bodied breed. They have quiet dispositions, make excellent mothers, and are one of the most broody of standard breeds. Their white skin is a cosmetic
disadvantage for use as meat birds.
Class:
English
Origin:
England
Comb Type:
Single Comb
Egg Color:
Brown
Egg Size:
Large
Production:
Good
Matures:
Moderately Early
Bird Size:
Heavy 7 - 8 1/2 lbs
Broody:
Yes
Hardiness:
Very Cold Hardy
Personality:
Docile, Quiet, Affectionate
Commonly known as the Easter Egg Layer, these birds are good layers and produce eggs that range from olive green to turquoise blue
which their name comes from. They're derived from Araucanas or Ameraucanas (hence the green eggs), but they're not a recognized breed because their blood line is so mixed up and varied. Their small size allows them to do well in warm weather but they also do well in cold weather.
Like their eggs, they come in an assortment of colors. They are favored for their eggs, but are large enough to be used for meat.
Average mature weight: Roosters 5 lbs, Hens 4 lbs.
Class:
All Other Breeds
Origin:
United States
Comb Type:
Pea Comb
Egg Color:
Blue/Green
Egg Size:
Medium
Production:
Good
Matures:
Moderately Early
Bird Size:
Small 4-5 lbs
Broody:
Yes
Hardiness:
Very Cold Hardy
Personality:
Active, Friendly
