[Khususi]

Hi guys,

We have recently lost our Orp and Cochin and now are left with a leghorn and a dutch Braekel bantam. I want to get some more hens to live with them and was wondering what to go for. My criteria are as follows:

- friendly & pick-up-able
- a reasonable number of eggs
- good pets for kids
- don't destroy garden too much
- interesting to look at
- I like the big, soft-feathered birds like Orps / Cochins but not so keen on fact they would appear not to be that hardy

Someone has recommended Pekins so I wondered what your experiences of this breed is? Would they get on Ok with my existing hens and if I did get some more Orps, those too? Do they tend to fly?

[Chookiechook]

I keep and breed pekins and they are a joy to own....

I have sold loads this summer and not one has been brought back for any reason at all... Not even the cock birds that were given a .... well take one and if it doesnt work out return it .... chance

They do less damage to the garden than their big clawed brothers and are more than happy to hop up on your lap for a cuddle...... They can fly a bit and get up and about but I shouldnt think they could fly away....

They come in an amazing array of colours, stripey, sort of spotty, plain ... all you can think of

I cant recommend them highly enough.... i gave up silkies in favour of these

Go get some and enjoy them

[Bantymad]

I have two pekins and they are very friendly, and full of character, can fly when they want, one of mine flys up on to my arm for treats. I do trim there foot feathers a bit in winter and bring them in for a nice foot bath once a week as they get caked in mud and it tends to ball up on the feathers, but they enjoy the papmering and sit happily on a towel for me to dry there feet off. very sweet natured but do go broody quite often.

[Evansent]

I have two pekins and two buff orpington bantams which I keep together very happily.

 Pekins are very friendly and one sits on my 7 yr olds shoulder like a parrot! ( the buffs are friendly to be stroked but don't like to be picked up so much).

 I have them on hard base in their run, with one soil scratch corner, so their feet don't get too bunged up, but I do have to bathe their feet now and again.

They all lay an egg most days. Would heartily recommend them.

C x