by Darren Sabuda
With thousands of years of genetic tinkering, humans have created a wide range of options when bringing home baby … chicks, that is. Given the large number of breeds to choose from, it’s no wonder first-time chicken-keepers (or even those that are experienced in “all-things-chicken”) can become overwhelmed with the decision-making process.
It’s best to define your goals before heading to your local feed-supply store or visiting a chicken hatchery’s website. Is egg production your main purpose for owning chickens? Some breeds lay more than others. Do you have a small backyard in the city with zoning considerations? Certain breeds will adapt to smaller spaces better than others. So, when making the decision to start (or grow) your flock, make sure these eight characteristics are at the top of your list.