Chickens: Perusing the Catalogs

After we lost three hens to what was likely a weasel last fall, we knew that we would have to plan for more chicks this year.   I have decided to do something different (and a little daring) and go for banties this time.  So far we have only picked up straight run chicks from the local Rural King, but this calls for our first catalog order.  Of course, Rural King would special order for us, but there is something kind of exciting about the anticipation of our box of chicks arriving at our little local post office!  I have looked at several hatcheries' catalogs including Estes, Cackle and Murray McMurray.  At this point, I am liking what I see at McMurray.

There are so many interesting breeds, but I have been able to narrow it down a bit by my choice of combs at least.  I have found that in our winter climate, the single combed birds will suffer with frostbite if their heads are not tucked well under the wing.  I guess there are things you can do to try to prevent it, such as keeping a coat of vaseline on the comb (I used what I had on hand-- bag balm).  But if I can prevent it just by choosing a different kind of comb, then that is lower maintenance. 

Another stipulation right now is clean legged birds... (although the beautiful Buff Brahmas are awfully tempting)!   Right now I am considering the Partridge Wyandotte, the Quail Antwerp Belgian is said to be 'very friendly', Golden Seabright and the Araucana for my little egg layers.  For meat birds this year, I decided to go for something other than the Rock Cornish cross.  Full size Dark Cornish are what I am leaning toward.  These are very sturdy looking birds with interesting marks.  If I keep one rooster and a couple of hens, then I could put the eggs under a banty hen which I've heard have not had the setting instinct bred out of them.