Chicken Crazy

Backyard Chickens.  I've found a hobby. 

We made the decision to get some chickens a while ago... and we took action about 4 weeks ago and bought "some" chicks.  I did some research and after consideration for good egg layer breeds, backyard breeds, overall appeal, I decided (and I mean I decided, since James is maintaining his cool and "doesn't care" attitude) on Black Australorps. 

These are adult Black Australorps, rooster on left:

(Photo from FeatherSite.com)

These are Black Australorps chicks:

(Photo from FeatherSite.com)



Cute hunh?  Anyway, I called a local hatchery 4T's Hatchery, and asked for 4 Black Australorp chicks.  We got 5, since it's "straight run" which means a gamble of male and/or female.  He gave us a price of $8 for all 5, and he'd take back any we didn't need.  We wanted 3 pullets (females)- so any remaining females and/or roosters in the bunch.

Fast forward 3 weeks.  How can you tell a rooster from a hen?  Well, the comb (top of head) and waddle (neck flappy-part) grow faster in males than females.  I watch them (because I'm crazy) and notice their behavior and talk to them a little (told ya, crazy!) and am willing to bet maybe 2 of them are roosters based on compared comb heights.  I'm also noticing that the feather patterns are different.  Four of the five are getting feathers that look more grey than black, and have white tips.  Well, I know nothing about feather patterns and molting to permanent feathers- so maybe they'll darken.  Who knows!? 

Long story short- I realize that the 4 out of 5 are actually Barred Rocks.  One is a Black Australorp.

These are Barred Rock chicks:

(Photo from FeatherSite.com)

Yeah, pretty similar. I love these birds and don't want to start over, so I research the mighty Barred Rock.  Same characteristics, good egg layers (Barred Rocks are actually considered dual purpose birds, but I don't care to think about the other purpose right now...) good temperments- the Barred Rock is very curious... and a great backyard breed.  Sign me up for the Barred Rock club! 

This is a Barred Rock hen (I like this picture because she's running!):

(Photo from myPetChicken.com)

This is a Barred Rock Rooster (Oh, he's fancy, hunh?):

(Photo from myPetChicken.com)

I'm 100% sure that 1 out of the 5 is a rooster.  And sadly, I love him.  It's sad because we cannot keep him.  We have no use for a rooster.  (Yes, chickens lay eggs without a rooster present.) 

If you haven't noticed, all these are photos from other sites.  I will be taking my flock outside today for "yard time" since their chicken tractor is still under construction, and will take some pictures of MY chickens. 

What's a chicken tractor, you ask?  Stay tuned for more Adventures with Chickens...

(Adventures with Chickens... who says that?)