Hi Tim,
What an exciting day you have ahead! We all love getting new birds, and will be interested to hear what you decide.
I think there are three aspects to starting out with new hens for the first time, which are even more important than the choice of breed. First every time, how healthy they are and how well they've been reared. I expect you know there may possibly be issues about mixing vaccinated and unvaccinated birds, and whilst in many cases this is OK, it may possibly cause avoidable problems, so it would be best to enquire and get all of them with the same vaccination status, either all done or none of them. As for how they've been reared, have a good look round and if you find dirty pens, any sneezing or dozy-looking birds, or birds that are being kept in very small pens, or have green and dirty water drinkers, then walk away. If you have a friend who knows about chickens, maybe take them along with you. Examine each bird you are offered, look at least for clean vent, bright eyes, no discharge from eyes or nose. Observe the flock whilst chatting to the owner, and try to pick lively, awake-looking birds. There are lots of people selling chickens, you don't have to feel you must buy if not entirely happy.
Second, enquire carefully about how old they are, and get a selection all the same age, or at least not more than a week or two apart. This may help integration, as if you get any that are younger than the others they will be bullied. Ideally, they would all,come from the same pen and know each other already, but if you're getting mixed breeds from different pens, there will be more social adjustment (i.e., fighting) when they get together at first, so age differences will make this more of a potential issue. I would go for birds about 18 weeks old, not yet in lay, who will use the remaining weeks before they lay to settle in with you and grow on a bit before onset of lay. At this time of year, if you get them younger than that, especially purebreds, they may not lay at all until next year because of the diminishing light as winter approaches. If you get them over 20 weeks and actually laying, their first lay may be interrupted by the stress of the move. Hybrids usually lay at about 20-24 weeks, many purebreds not until 26-28+ weeks.
Third, think carefully about what you want your hens to do for your family. If you want pets who lay lots of lovely large eggs regularly, I would advise hybrid layers rather than purebreds. They come in various colours and lay eggs that you can tell apart if you get a mix of breeds. Commercial hybrids have been bred to lay a decent-sized egg most days, and for docility in close confinement, and not to go broody, but have fantastic individual personalities and are very attractive. If you think like this, then maybe you need another supplier who can offer a bigger selection of hybrids. Yes you may have to travel a bit, but you're going to have these birds for several years, so its good to get what you really want in the first place. But if you mainly want pretty birds and don't mind too much about comparatively erratic laying and the nuisance of breaking broodies, then purebreds are fine. Personally, I would avoid mixing sizes if you can, as if you don't have some big and some little, the chances of bullying are that much less. Not saying it can't or shouldn't be done, but for a first time owner, try to keep things straightforward. Get them all from the same place on the same day if you can, to assist integration, and to avoid possible cross- infection from mixing birds from two sources.
Good luck, and have an enjoyable expedition!
and any pros and cons really.
but if you have a little extra time to enjoy their nature and the ability to give them a little more shelter and cosseting in the wet, then they will reward you well.
