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Chickens are used for so many different reasons. Some people choose to raise a flock based on the look of the bird, in order to show them in competitions. Others raise birds as pets. More commonly, people raise chickens for the meat and eggs they can provide for their family. Before you buy a flock of chickens, and make plans to build a chicken coop, you should decide exactly what you are going to raise a flock for. Be clear in your expectations regarding chickens in order to have a successful flock that is happy and healthy. Laying chickens breeds are vast and varied. There are many different types of breeds, all of which may not be suitable for you. If you are looking for a chicken that will lay a specific color egg, than the breed you choose will be different than if you are looking for a chicken with a mild temperament that will be good with children. In other words, don’t just pick your chicken breed from a list that you find. Be diligent in your research to be sure you’re picking the best laying chicken for your climate, your location, and for your family. All chickens have different personalities, and some are more friendly and mild mannered than others. These types of birds typically make the best backyard or pastured flocks, because they are mild mannered and won’t disrupt your neighbors and family. Along those lines, it’s important to check your local coding regulations to be sure you can start raising a flock of chickens before you start moving forward with your plans. Here is a list of some of the best laying chickens breeds. White or Pearl Leghorn and Anconas are some of the most popular chickens for laying eggs, because they are known to lay a high volume of white eggs, most popular for consumption. Be advised these birds are typically wilder, and may not be as easy to tame. For this reason, these particular birds are more often used in commercial egg production. Minorca and Welsummer are popular for backyard egg production, and for pasturing because they are usually milder mannered than other white-egg laying flocks. If you are considering investing in a flock that will be used for both meat and egg production, there are a variety of birds that can suit those needs. Brahma, Buckeye, Java, Jersey Giant, Naked Neck, New Hampshire and the Rhode Island Red are all considered quality birds for both uses. If you’re looking for chicken breeds that will lay different colored eggs, there is a great way to tell what color eggs a chicken will lay. Simply look at the color of the skin behind the chicken’s ear. If it is white, the chicken will lay white eggs. If the pigment of skin is reddish brown, expect brown eggs. Lastly, if the skin is a darker red, you can expect blue and blue-green eggs from your chicken. Before you purchase chicks or adult birds, delve into your research, and take ownership of the process. Purchasing several birds that will not do well in a smaller space, or that may be more aggressive should only be raised in large areas where they have plenty of room. Do your research and planning in order to provide the best atmosphere for you and your chickens to coexist. Make sure you do your homework in regard to the best laying chickens breeds so you get the right chicken for you and your family.
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