First timer,any breed ideas?

[sherrilyn]

Hi everyone,
I,m looking to buy three of four hens to have in my garden,I,v already got a big run and coop for them.I just wondered if anyone would be kind enough to give me some advice on the best breeds.I,m basically looking for hens(chicken or bantam)that are placid and lay well,I have heard that pecin bantams are good?Any advice will be much appreciated.

[emseypop]

Mar 1, 2009 21:56:30 GMT 1 @sherrilyn said:

Hi everyone,
I,m looking to buy three of four hens to have in my garden,I,v already got a big run and coop for them.I just wondered if anyone would be kind enough to give me some advice on the best breeds.I,m basically looking for hens(chicken or bantam)that are placid and lay well,I have heard that pecin bantams are good?Any advice will be much appreciated.

I got some hens a year ago, I was a first timer then too. I saw an add it grow it magazine about ex-battery farm hens and decided to look on the BHWT website. There is loads of useful info on keeping hens (even if you decide ex-bats are not for you) They are 18 months old when they are sent to slaughter from the battery farm, but can live a happy and productive retirement if rescued. Mine soon got the hang of the garden, learning how to walk within hours, and they had improved leg muscles and plumage after just a few months. There were eggs the next morning after I got them too and almost everyday throughout the winter (about 6 egg less days in all) All this and the feelgood factor of knowing you've freed a bird from its cage. They are all placid and get on well, they have funny cheeky characters, one in particular, is always getting into trouble, one is tamer and slower than the rest and eats out of my hand. Peking Bantams are very pretty tho.

[maggyd]

I think thats a lovely idea em I saw a T.V. prog;about people rescuing x battery hens and they were looking very happy! its like dogs isnt it I tried to get a rescue Chi but the day I bought one and brought it home the rescue people rang me with the offer of one.

[sherrilyn]

Thanks for that,its a great idea,I,ll look into it ,I hate battery farms,they should be illegal.My only problem is that if I went to pick some I,d want them all ,maybe could manage more than four anyway,thankyou ;D

[Sleepy]

Mar 2, 2009 21:40:29 GMT 1 @sherrilyn said:

Thanks for that,its a great idea,I,ll look into it ,I hate battery farms,they should be illegal.My only problem is that if I went to pick some I,d want them all ,maybe could manage more than four anyway,thankyou ;D

I know that feeling, and would feel the same way

[debbiem]

I have also heard that Pekin bantams are very placid hens. It depends if you'd like big hens or small ones. Brahmas are BIG chickens but soooo friendly and laid back. The Sussexes are very friendly too, as are Warrens, albeit a bit manic at times! In fact most of the breeds I've ever kept are friendly and not too OTT. I wouldn't keep Welsummers or Andalusians, they're both good-natured but flighty and not that approachable. I have one Welsummer, 2 Copper Marans and 2 Speckled Sussexes atm. The Marans are very canny, really tame and almost affectionate, as are the Speckleds - they all let you know if something's up or not going their way, though.

[sherrilyn]

Thanks,I shall add that to my chicken notes

[maggyd]

Oh they all sound lovely you are very lucky having the type of garden that is suitable.