| Chickens are easy to care for and simple to keep as | | | | Also think about whether your birds will live in a pen |
| backyard pets. There are a few things to think about | | | | or range your property when deciding on a breed. If |
| when deciding what breed of poultry to add to your | | | | you select a feather footed variety you may need |
| mini farm. First, you need to make sure that you are | | | | to spend some time on grooming to keep those |
| ready for the commitment of keeping animals and | | | | feathers clean. These birds are less well suited to a |
| that your yard is suitable and having a few chickens | | | | free range lifestyle where they can become |
| is not against any ordinances in your town or village. | | | | bedraggled if not cared for. |
| They will need a small amount of care daily, and so | | | | Another aspect of breed selection is contemplating |
| you need to have a plan for this including a backup | | | | the heritage of the breeds of chickens. The American |
| plan for vacation days or in case illness strikes. | | | | Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) is a wonderful |
| The first decision is whether you want birds that will | | | | source of information on the history of various |
| be for eating, or for their eggs or both. There are | | | | breeds and their status and availability. From this |
| laying hens like Minorca, meat birds like the big Jersey | | | | organization you can determine which types of |
| Giants, and then a few multipurpose chickens like the | | | | chickens need more breeders to make sure they do |
| Rhode Island Red that serve both purposes. If you | | | | not become extinct. Delaware chickens, for example |
| are going to have laying hens, what color of eggs do | | | | are a nice dual purpose bird that was popular in the |
| you want? This is breed dependent. Some breeds of | | | | 1950's but is now on the ALBC critical list. |
| chickens lay white eggs, some brown and the | | | | If you spend just a little time doing research prior to |
| Auracauna lay multi hued blue and green eggs. | | | | ordering or buying chickens from the farm or feed |
| Another factor in breed selection is your climate. If | | | | store it will help ensure that your chicken raising |
| you pick the right breed, you will have an easier time | | | | experience is successful and problem free. You will be |
| having eggs all year round. Bigger, heavier birds with | | | | more likely to end up with birds suitable to your |
| thicker feathers are more suitable for colder climates. | | | | environment that you will love and enjoy for many |
| Buff Orphingtons and Silver Laced Wyndottes, for | | | | years. |
| example, are great for more northern locations. | | | | |