Author: Charlotte Winslow

Raising chickens at home for eggs okay with community powers that be? – Check. Planned where you will keep the chickens in your back yard? – Check.
Decided to give this “raising chickens at home” business an honest go of it? – Check.

Now that these important questions have been answered you get to the fun part of this endeavor – selecting the chickens. You must decide your reasons for raising chickens. Is it for the eggs, meat, for pets or for all of the aforementioned reasons listed here? Since I’m not a big fan of butchering anything we selected a breed that lays large, beautiful brown eggs. Rhode Island Reds were our choice.

For your consideration I am listing the 3 most popular brown egg layers:

• Rhode Island Reds:

These American chickens are quite popular and are one of the most all-time famous breeds. There isn’t another heavier breed of chicken that lays more eggs than a Rhode Island Red. A mature male will weigh around 8.5 lbs. A mature female will weigh in at 6.5 lbs. The chicks are a rusty reddish-brown color. Adult birds color out into a beautiful variety of mahogany red. The hens will lay a nice large brown egg once they get started.

• Black Australorps:

This breed originated in Australia and is one of the best layers of light brown eggs. The feathers are a glossy black with a beautiful greenish-purple sheen. The adult birds weigh about the same as mature Rhode Island Reds. Adult males weigh between 6-8 lbs and females, 5-7 lbs. The females mature early and start producing eggs between 5-6 months old. They are a gentle breed and stand confinement well.

• Bard Rocks:

The Barred Rock is an American all-time prolific brown egg layer favorite. The cold doesn’t seem to bother them. They also make a great roasting fowl if you so desire. A Barred Rock is a sturdy and reliable breed to own. Baby chicks are gray to black with some white patches. Adult birds are black and white and have prominently colored red combs.

There are many other breeds available but we have raised these 3 with much success and would recommend any one of them to you. They are reasonably priced and easily accessible. Check at your local tractor and feed supply stores for availability. You can also purchase breeds through mail order catalogs and will receive your peeps via US postal service.

Raising Chickens at Home Guide

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/raising-chickens-at-home-for-eggs-3-most-popular-brown-egg-layers-1312342.html

About the Author

Charlotte Winslow has lived on a farm for over 20 years and enjoys her chickens. Do you need a jumpstart in raising chickens at home for eggs? Grab the information you need at http://raisingchickensathome.info and get ready for some fun!

RAISING CHICKENS AT HOME-AN EASY GUIDE