As winter wears on and February fast approaches thoughts turn to espying the first harbinger of Spring! A robin, red-winged blackbird, or flowering crocus are what the majority look for, but those with agricultural ties know that mail order seed catalogs and "chick days" at local feed establishments are the true signs that spring's re-growth, re-birth, and re-newal will once again re-appear!
"Forewarned is forearmed" is stellar advice to follow in achieving garden/flock success. To aid in "stocking the armory" I offer the following to would-be chicken-raisers:
First and foremost you must choose the right breed! To do this predetermine your reason for raising chickens. Do you want:
1. Economical production of as many eggs as possible for re-sale?
2. Efficient, quick production of fowl meat?
3. A home flock for a no-nonsense approach to raising eggs and meat?
4. A backyard flock kept for "the fun of it" with eggs (and possibly meat) as benefits?
5. A show flock kept for the enjoyment and satisfaction of breeding and exhibiting the best examples possible of a particular breed?
All of the above reasons have one "common thread" when it comes to breed selection - i.e. the area of the country in which you live. Unless you plan on keeping your flock totally confined in a climate-controlled building, weather extremes will come into play.
Certain breeds stand cold or heat better than others. Light (in weight) breeds, with large, straight combs adapt well to hot southern areas. Heavy (in weight) breeds with full feathering and small, straight or rose and pea combs are well adapted to areas with frigid winters.
Regardless of where you live, remember that "all breeds are not created equal." Some have been selected for egg or meat production only, while others are what is called "dual purpose."
Dual purpose breeds are raised for eggs and meat, but keep in mind they will not do either as efficiently as a "specific purpose" breed.
If your first spring harbinger is a poultry order form, do some research and ask some questions before filling it out!