We’ve had great luck raising day-old chicks from the mail, dozens of them over the years…until this last batch. Of the nine we received, only one is still with us - hawks, snakes and the Great Unknown took them out. Very frustrating, but that’s the way it goes sometimes with free ranging.
Of the numerous breeds we’ve had, Jersey Giants are the family’s favorite. Huge hens, a beautiful glossy black with green glints, confident birds and long-lived. We just lost our last one a few months ago and we think she was about eight years old. Consistent layers, too, of large brown eggs.
Speckled Sussex were beautiful and good layers. So were the silver laced Wyandottes. The Marans we got from someone downsizing a flock - they are kinda tatty-looking but they still lay. We were also gifted a buff Orpington who is lovely in all respects.
Our son raised Rhode Island Reds and barred rocks for 4H and none of us liked them too much - you couldn’t tell one hen from another, or at least we couldn’t.
We’ve also had silver and golden phoenix hens for fun - mostly an ornamental breed - and our golden phoenix rooster is a magnificent looking fellow.
The Auracanas had beautiful eggs but were shy-er than the others.
And no to housing your chickens in a horse stall. Chickens are messy with their poop and you don’t want it everywhere. Put their coop elsewhere and you’ll be happier.
