Ha! after years of abstinence, we are getting chickens again.

[dixiegrrrrl]

And have decided on Buff Orpingtons.
They go broody well, like confinement, are above average layers, even in winter.

In my previous life with chickens I had a flock of 40 Rhode Island reds, which I shared most unwilling with
a family of very ingenious raccoons.

I found a marvelous online chicken breed page which helped me make the decision this time around.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

[Tsiyu]

1. Buff orps are awesome.

Someday I will get some.

I have two Rhodies, I white leghorn and three sex link hens, plus a rooster. I bought 6 Plymouth Rocks and they were gorgeous, but all of them - even the ones I sold - died. I am not sure what ailed them. Fine one day, keeled over the next. The ones I sold died in about the same time frame as the three I kept.

So I guess I would say maybe mix up the breeds - get a few of another breed - just in case all the orps have some sort of disease or genetic issue.

Though those wonderful Orps are pretty darn hardy.

Good luck with your new babes.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. thanks....appreciate that.

I am strangely excited, have not had "farm life" since 1986, always found chickens soothing to watch and to be around.

[Tsiyu]

3. I never thought I'd like keeping chickens

But they really are kind of fascinating to watch. And the fresh eggs are a great thing

[Vanje]

4. The eggs are the LEAST of it!

My chickens have rich and fulfilling social lives.
I observe, approve, and vicariously share with my yard birds.