[nerdle]

A local chap breeds pretty hybrids and I'll have a look at his POLs tomorrow:
Bluebelle, Speckledy, Sussex Star, Copper Star and Colombian Blacktails.  He seems to have done a good job of vaccinations etc and they should be healthy and robust but I'm after looks and friendliness really...(I don't really eat eggs much)...
Any comments on the above?

[GrannieAnnie]

Yes, they are all lovely and each will have their own personality.

I've had bluebelles, and Columbian blacktails, and similar breeds to the others.  You will find that different breeders or rearers call them by different names.

I've had Plymouth Barred rocks which are similar to speckeldy's which are basically a  cross between the rhode island red and a maran..  The Sussex Star is derived from a light Sussex, which are lovely birds, and the copper star is like the black rocks or shaver blacks like I've got

You will get a lot of eggs from any of these are they are hybrids and they will probably lay well in their first and maybe 2nd winter too, unlike the pure breeds they are bred from.

So really it is personal choice as to which colours you get.

[JaK]

I have all of the hybrid breeds and they are all wonderful, friendly pets. They love all the attention we give them and are a happy little group together too. I really don't think you could go wrong with choosing from any of them. If you choose one of each of your favorites they will look pretty together too.
Go along, watch the hens and go in with them, get a feel for the ones you like. I tend to find that the hens will choose you. Most will run away when you go in but some will want to say 'hi' straight away. 

[JaK]

How did it go today, Nerdle?

[nerdle]

Hello again
Mini crisis (dog not well) and didn't get to breeder.  Had a look online and hybrids are all about eggs (albeit lovely friendly hens) and I'm not in it for the eggs really.
I think I prefer pure breeds and will look around but in the meantime it occurs to me to mention here that I'd be open to offering a very happy retirement home to girls that no longer lay - or the bottom of pecking order to give them a happy home

[Elvira]

If you are not bothered about eggs then try silkies! I am very fond of mine and although they tend to go broody a lot or simply don't lay, their eggs are lovely when they do lay! They are nearly all yolk and roughly equate to 2 silkie eggs to a large egg. They are very docile although they are escape artists and very nosey! 

[nerdle]

That's a lovely suggestion thank you.  You've made me think now.... I might ask of here if any retired hens needing a home - if not I'll tour the local breeders.

[ANHBUC]

I have seen ones for rehoming on birdtrader and preloved.  Some people get them and change their minds within a few months.     I hope you find some soon as I would be like a dog with an itch if I was henless.   

[Agatha]

How about ex-battery hens? 

[nerdle]

Yes I thought about it.  I don't think they'll let me take fewer than 3 and I have room for two big girls or three little ones.

I'll browse Preloved and I think they sell pure breeds at Salisbury market once a month...

[ANHBUC]

You could enquire at your local RSPCA, if they are like ours they sometimes get unwanted pet hens.   

[nerdle]

Salisbury has a rare breed market every month so hope to be there on 18 May.  Let's see...................
RSPCA excellent idea thank you.