Saturday I ordered 5 Light Brahma Pullets from the Cackle Hatchery. They have been family owned and operated for 3 generations and are in Lebanon, MO so my girls wont have to travel far. 20 years ago when we first moved here we kept chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits and pigs along with a huge garden. Since were both retired now, I'm slowly working my husband back into this again. Funny how we started back with the garden and Llamas. Hubby was very resistant about getting a Llama. I worked on him for years with no luck. Then a friend offered us 2 and he's says go for it. Well the chickens are ordered for mid March and it will probably be a surprise for hubby.
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That's why I'm starting out with only 5 layers. And boy did I have to pay more to get only 5. I ordered the City-Town Pullet Special 5 - Order any 5 pullet chicks of one breed of offered pullets in our catalog for $41.00. I could of ordered 25 of them for $43.00, but hubby would have a heart attack. They say that the higher cost for these 5 are because special shipping requirements are needed to ship small amount of birds. There is a higher cost associated with properly shipping/packing handling a SMALL amount of chicks to arrive safely to your post office. A number of measures may be used such as a heating pad, extra nesting or padding, special box or boxes, or any special shipping arrangements. It also includes the Mareks Vaccination. Marek's Disease is caused by a virus in the Herpes family, and as such..cannot be cured. Recovery is not impossible, but not likely.
I could of just bought 5 chicks from our farm store this spring. But I really wanted the light brahmas. They originated in Asia and were brought to this country in mid-1800's. Brahmas are exceptionally quiet, gentle, and easy to handle. Their small pea comb, great size, and heavy plumage make them almost immune to cold weather. The hens are good layers of brown eggs, excellent brood mothers and very children friendly for pets. Hens average 9 1/2 lbs.
Oh, your chickens sound just wonderful! We have been thinking over the idea of getting some here and your variety sounds ideal. Our biggest problem is finding someone to care for them when we go out of town for more than a few days. And making certain they don't get eaten by a predator!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I just can't wait til March. We're luck between our kids and their friends we could find someone to take care of them if we ever went anywhere. My biggest problem, besides telling my hubbywe'r back in the egg gathering ☺, is where to set up the new coop. My son put 4 posts in the ground in the backfield all by itself next to his 4 wheeling tracks. When I inquired as to what that was for he informed me thatwas to be the new chicken coop. I think it should be in the Llama area up against the barn, duh. With the new electric going to the barn I can add some lights to extend the daylight in the winter to keep the girls laying. Plus Llamas are very protective so Chili should keep them safe from any varmits. So now I have to get my son to move things around then start sweet talking the hubby. Hey he likes steak dinners, Grin.
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