[Jacob-list] Help with Chicken Choice

[Penelope]

At 11:53 12/5/02, Tina Bowman wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>I asked this question some time ago and have since lost the information
>that I obtained from everyone.
>
>We are having a worm problem on the farm due to the drought this year in
>this area and the vet suggested we get some chickens to help rid the ground
>of some of these,also with the fly population.

Chickens are at times pointed out as a problem around hay and feed for 
goats - potentially spreading something, but I can't remember what right 
now.  (I just woke up, but this will probably be my only computer time 
today.)  I would think it would be the same for sheep.  That said, my hens 
are in and out and all around my goats and sheep, feed and hay, and we have 
not had a problem.



>If anyone can lead me to a good web site or in a decent direction I would
>appreciate it.

I've had hens for a number of years, and often sell excess eggs.  I prefer 
brown or blue/green egg layers, partly because the white egg laying breeds 
seem to be much more prevalent.  We have a rainbow of hens consisting of 
Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, Aracanas (the blue green egg layers - not 
as many eggs, but really fun to get), Buff Orpingtons and Dark 
Cornish.  The last two are probably my favorites, and are often more 
docile.  You can order them from big companies like McMurry, which have a 
25 chick minimum, or your local feed store may be willing to either include 
a few of a breed you want when they make their big order of chicks to sell, 
or may even get a breed you want already.  You can find McMurry on the web 
at: http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/

And for learning about chickens in general, my absolute favorite book is 
Chickens In Your Backyard.  Your local library might even have it.  Good luck!


-- 
Penelope Jacob pcj at efn.org
parent, doula, farmer, birth & breastfeeding activist.
***War doesn't decide who is right. Only who's left.***
Attachment parenting a busy, spirited, nursing toddler.