ChloeCrest wrote: Fri Feb 07, 2025 8:34 am I've been around small-scale chicken flocks my whole life. My grandma had chickens, my mom had chickens, and for the past five years, I've kept a small flock of about a dozen birds. But this year is different. This year, I'm taking things to the next level.
Expanding the Flock
My little backyard flock has grown into something much bigger. I now have 5 roosters, 35 hens, and even one little Pekin duck hen who thinks she rules the place. My birds include a mix of barred rocks, red crosses, leghorns, and bantams, but I've also added some beautiful black copper marans, blue marans, Ameraucanas, Easter eggers, and F1 olive eggers. My goal? To breed and sell olive eggers for the first time.
Why Olive Eggers?
There's something truly special about collecting a basket of colorful eggs. The deep browns from the Marans, the blues from the Ameraucanas, and the rich, earthy greens of the olive eggersit never gets old. Olive eggers are such a fun surprise since each generation hatches with slightly different shades of green. They're also excellent layers and hardy birds, making them a great choice for backyard chicken keepers.
Planning for the First Hatch
Hatching my own chicks isn't completely new to me, but this is my first time hatching with the intent to sell. It's both exciting and nerve-wracking. I've got my incubator ready to go, though I might invest in a better one soon. I've been doing my research, preparing brooder space, and making sure I have the right setup to raise strong, healthy chicks.
The Joy of a Mixed Flock
One of my favorite things about keeping chickens is their personalities. My flock is full of characters, from the bossy hens who think they own the place to the roosters who strut around like kings. I could sit outside with them all day and never be bored. Watching them interact, dust bathe, and come running when they see me with treats is one of the simplest joys in life.
Support and Community
This journey wouldn't be the same without the amazing chicken-keeping community. Whenever I have questions, need advice, or just want to share a funny chicken story, I know there are fellow chicken lovers out there who get it. I've learned so much from others, and I hope to share my own experiences as I embark on this new adventure.
Looking to the Future
My hope is that this first hatch is just the beginning. If all goes well, I'd love to expand even further, fine-tuning my breeding project and providing beautiful, healthy birds to others looking to add unique layers to their own flocks. For now, I'm taking it one step at a timecandling eggs, adjusting temperatures, and waiting for that first pip.
Here's to a new chapter in my chicken-keeping journey!
I love how your chicken-keeping journey spans generations! Your grandma and mom must have some great advice to pass down.
