Raising Poultry
In the Upper Snake River Valley
Selecting a Breed
When it comes to chicken breeds, there is actually quite a bit of diversity out there! However, one way that people commonly categorize chickens is by their primary purpose. While some birds might be kept as pets or for show, most chickens fall into one of three main categories: egg layers, meat birds, or dual purpose breeds.
Egg layers, as the name suggests, are chickens that are bred specifically for their ability to lay eggs. These birds typically produce a high volume of eggs, making them popular choices for backyard egg production.
Meat birds, on the other hand, are raised primarily for their meat. These birds tend to grow quickly and have well-developed muscles, making them tasty options for chicken dinners.
Dual purpose breeds, as you might imagine, are capable of fulfilling both roles. While they may not produce eggs or meat as efficiently as breeds that are specialized in one area or the other, they offer a good balance of both traits.
A Few Of Our Favorite Breeds
Buff Orpingtons are a popular breed of chicken that are known for their calm and friendly disposition. They have a soft, fluffy buff-colored plumage which is not only visually appealing but also helps them to stay warm during cold weather. The chickens also have a docile nature which makes them easy to handle and suitable for backyard flocks. Moreover, they are excellent egg layers and can produce around 200-280 light brown eggs per year. The eggs are of good size and have a rich, creamy flavor that many people find delicious. Buff Orpingtons are not only well-suited for egg production but also make great pets due to their gentle and easygoing nature. Whether you’re an experienced chicken keeper or a beginner, Buff Orpingtons are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a beautiful and friendly breed of chicken.
The Silver Laced Wyandotte is a beautiful breed of chicken that originated in the United States in the late 1800s. With its striking black and white feathers, this bird is a popular choice among both backyard chicken enthusiasts and professional poultry breeders. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also a great layer of large, brown eggs. The Silver Laced Wyandotte is known for its calm and friendly demeanor, making it a great addition to any flock. It is a hardy bird that can withstand cold temperatures, making it a suitable choice for those living in cooler climates. Overall, the Silver Laced Wyandotte is a wonderful breed of chicken that is sure to impress with its beauty, productivity, and temperament.
Barred Plymouth Rock typically refers to a breed of chicken known for their distinctive black and white striped feathers. These birds have become popular amongst poultry enthusiasts due to their hardy nature, docile temperament, and suitability for both meat and egg production. They are well-known for their ability to forage and thrive in a variety of climates and conditions, making them a low-maintenance option for small-scale farmers and backyard chicken keepers alike. Additionally, the Barred Rock breed has been recognized by several agricultural organizations for its historical significance and important contributions to the development of poultry farming in North America. As such, many breeders and enthusiasts consider them to be an important part of our agricultural heritage, and take great pride in raising and caring for these beautiful birds.
Puchashing Baby Chicks
When embarking on the fulfilling journey of raising chickens, it is a common practice for many individuals to first acquire baby chicks. This is often seen as the best approach for novice chicken raisers as it allows for proper socialization and nurturing to take place from a young age, leading to healthy and happy adult birds. Baby chicks are particularly delicate and require careful attention and proper nutrition in order to thrive. They also offer the added benefit of being able to easily integrate into established flocks. While starting with adults may be an alternative option, choosing to begin with chicks provides a way for chicken enthusiasts to fully experience the joys and challenges of raising chickens from the very beginning – from the hatching of the eggs to the graduation to adulthood.
Where to get Baby Chicks
Ecko Farms offers several different breeds of chicks. Our chicks are sourced from our own breeder flocks, which are carefully selected and maintained to ensure the health and vitality of our birds. In addition to our own breeding program, we also work with a variety of reputable hatcheries to ensure that we can meet the growing demand for chicks. We take great pride in the quality of our birds, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service and support throughout the chicken-rearing process.
Availability
June 8th 2023 — Silver Laced Wyandotte (Straight Run Chicks)
June 15th 2023 — Barred Plymouth Rock (Female Chicks)
Due to the incredibly high demand for chicks, we are currently only taking preorders. Chicks can be picked up at the farm by appointment.
Other Sources for Chicks
Cal Ranch offers baby chicks during certain times of the year. They sell quickly, so you will have to check often, and your breed options will be limited to what they have available. In addition to chicks, they also offer feed and other poultry-raising supplies. Cal’s purchases its chicks from certified NPIP hatcheries. The NPIP is a voluntary State–Federal cooperative testing and certification program for poultry-breeding flocks, baby chicks, poults, hatching eggs, hatcheries, and dealers.
Local farmers offer baby chicks at different times throughout the year. The best place to find local farmers selling chicks is on East Idaho Craig’s List. Few, if any, local farmers have NPIP-certified flocks that have been tested for poultry diseases.
Ordering chicks online is another option. Hatcheries must be NPIP-certified to ship across state lines. Chicks are shipped in special boxes, usually through the USPS. Depending on the weather during transit, there is a risk of chicks getting chilled and arriving dead. Some hatcheries offer a live guarantee. Demand for chicks has been high, and many hatcheries have limited supplies, so order early. Below is a list of a few hatcheries.
- Dunlap Hatchery in Caldwell (Short Shipping Time)
- Murray McMurray Hatchery
- Meyer Hatchery
- Cackle Hatchery
- Stromberg’s
- Hoover’s Hatchery