Chickens
We started our chickens back at our old place. Due to the restrictions of the town we lived in and being residential, we were limited to 6 chickens and no roosters allowed. After we moved to Gloucester, we immediately got 6 more chickens and added a rooster as soon as we found the breed we wanted. (Rhode Island Red). We originally wanted to get RIR hens, but were unable to find outdoor ready (feathered) ladies. That is how we ended up with Golden Comets, a cross between Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn. Golden Comets are bred to be superior egg layers, averaging between 5-6 eggs a week. GCs also are bred to start laying early, as early as 16 weeks, but typically closer to 18. For the past week and a half we have consistently had 11 eggs a day; I am excited to get that first dozen day!
Did you know that Golden Comets are sex-linked? This means that directly after they hatch you can tell their gender! The males and females are different colors. This is great for someone who is breeding them as most people only want to purchase pullets. A golden comet does not produce sex-linked chicks, only the first line is able to do this.
Rusty, our RIR rooster, was a gift from a lady that lives down in Smithfield. She had too many roosters for her yard. His temperament is great and can he can be handled! He has enjoyed having all 12 of our ladies to himself. Rusty was a birthday gift to our oldest, almost 5 year old, son. Since we picked up our first set of hens from Fresh Start Farm, he started asking questions about getting baby chicks. When I told him we had to have a rooster for baby chicks, that is all he has wanted.
Moving forward, our chickens will be less white leghorn and more RIR, as we have no plans to replace our hens at this time.
Did you know that Golden Comets are sex-linked? This means that directly after they hatch you can tell their gender! The males and females are different colors. This is great for someone who is breeding them as most people only want to purchase pullets. A golden comet does not produce sex-linked chicks, only the first line is able to do this.
Rusty, our RIR rooster, was a gift from a lady that lives down in Smithfield. She had too many roosters for her yard. His temperament is great and can he can be handled! He has enjoyed having all 12 of our ladies to himself. Rusty was a birthday gift to our oldest, almost 5 year old, son. Since we picked up our first set of hens from Fresh Start Farm, he started asking questions about getting baby chicks. When I told him we had to have a rooster for baby chicks, that is all he has wanted.
Moving forward, our chickens will be less white leghorn and more RIR, as we have no plans to replace our hens at this time.
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