This past year we purchased 10 pullets to add to our flock of chickens. Now, if you don't know what pullets are, they are girl chickens that have been sexed before purchase. There is no guarantee that the sexing is foolproof, but we wanted to get hens to add to our group of tiny girls and two bantam boys.
We were looking for egg laying hens and checked the breeds before purchase and were able to get as few or as many of any breed we chose from Oley Valley Feed Mill. Highly recommend them and see their website at http://www.oleyvalleyfeedinc.com/index.htm. We purchased Australorps, Buff and Dark Brahmas, Buff Orpingtons, Americaunas (green eggs!) and Barred Rocks. All breeds are relatively good layers, low key personalities and tame.
Joanne had hip surgery two weekends after we got them and these girls grew like weeds. They blended in well with our other birds, all of whom are bantam or silkies that weigh in at about 1.5 pounds. The new girls are about 7-10 pounds and tower over the little girls and my two roosters.
Right now we've had a light on in their stall over their water so there isn't as much freezing during this cold snap, however, as chickens are sensitive to the light for laying eggs, we've been inundated with fresh eggs!
Since the first of January, we've gotten over five dozen eggs. It has been amazing. Our little girls are all broody - they are sitting in their boxes, so every night we have to take them out and collect the eggs.
So, now I have to get rid of the eggs and find good recipes. Any ideas?
Oh and you remember that 'sexing is not foolproof' statement above? Well, we named all our girls and Betty has turned into Mr. Betty...so we're looking for a better place for him, and that's NOT the stew pot.
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