Last spring we got 9 baby chicks. Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rock, and Golden Sex-link; three of each. This Spring we are down to 5 due to predators. Forgot to close the coop a few nights, and the chickens seem to be early risers coming out too early in the morning. Oops!
5 laying hens seem to give us one extra dozen of eggs a week, to share. We are a family of 5 and seem to use about 2 dozen a week. So 5 hens are working out perfectly for our family. I have been really impressed with these breeds, and the consistency of their laying. The Barred Rocks seem to lay a slightly larger egg than the Reds, and the Sex-links seem to lay the smallest of three. Not sure why since they are a cross from a Rhode Island Red a Rhode Island White. I assumed the egg size would be similiar to the Reds. The Barred Rocks are my favorite of three.
Here is the coop my husband built. It seems to be the perfect size for 5-7 chickens.
Our Lab Jewels with a baby chick. She appears real interested.
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| Rhode Island Red |
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| Barred Rock |
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| Golden Sex-Link |
