[lucyeff]

I'm must admit I was a little crestfallen when I found out that the three chickens we're adopting are ISA browns (after I googled them they seem to be the common all garden ones), as I'd always fancied the white ones with black speckles (not sure of type, probably loads like that!). I feel a bit rotten admitting it but then again, it might just be cos I'm a girl who likes the fancy ones! I've heard they're friendly and hardy, etc, though so I should think meself lucky..

I just was curious what type you all had and which do you think are hardiest/most endearing/nicest looking/most vicious and next for the pot? Just in case we were to get some more later..

Luce

[muntjac]

welsummers and buff orp banties ...    

[Aunt Sally]

     How did I KNOW you would say that  

[muntjac]

ERRRRRRRRRRRRM  :roll:

[milliebecks]

In my fairly limited experience, the hybrids (like ISA Browns and Black Rocks) are pretty laid back and friendly - probably more so than pure breds, although they vary hugely from breed to breed.
My absolute favourites for entertainment value and friendliness are pekin bantams - although there's not much meat on them and the eggs don't fit in your egg cup  :roll:

[Lost in France]

I have black silkie bantams and they're totally gorgeous! There all fluffy and cuddly! I also have some partridge ones that are also lovely. Silkies have really soft feathers that look like fur and they're what it says on the packet...silkie soft! A couple of them think I'm the cockerel and come for cuddles whenever they see me. They are also great broodies and kids love them too! They lay well and are gentle natured so pecking, fighting etc just doesn't ever seem to happen. if you want birds that are decorative, friendly etc etc...unless you're after birds to eat, I'd recommend silkies.

Judi

[Jellyhead]

I agree with my fellow Frenchie i also have Wyandotte Bantams though and they are very pretty and tame. They lay surprisingly large eggs for their size. I love em. I have 4 or 5 different colours and there are a lot more to choose from.

[slowef]

I have a Rhode Island (Gary) 3 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Gold laced Orpingtons, 5 Black Rocks, 2 Polish Bantums, a Hybrid and 4 Gold Lace Orpington chicks and 2 Welsummers....  now did I forget anyone???
werks for me    

[SnooziSuzi]

LOVE the new avatar, Lucy!

I just have 3 ISA browns but am looking to expand to some rarer breeds as soon as I can.  

I thought about having Black Orpingtons to start because they're beautiful - but as I'm a novice that's going to have to wait for a while!

[muntjac]

I have a Rhode Island (Gary) 3 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Gold laced Orpingtons, 5 Black Rocks, 2 Polish Bantums, a Hybrid and 4 Gold Lace Orpington chicks and 2 Welsummers....  now did I forget anyone???








werks for me    

OYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY lay off me tag  

[slowef]

Sorry Munty couldn't resist

xx  

[ness]

I think the "white ones with black speckles" maybe light sussex (which I've got in bantam variety).  Wierdly enough I always wanted "proper" brown chooks (which I think isa browns are)but they are too big for my garden.
Light sussex are lovely, do owt for a treat so are becoming tamer, they are meant to be hardy too.
Saying that am hoping they will go broody next year as I might get some silkie eggs to hatch.  They remind me a bit of ostrichs!  They've got lovely brown eyes too.  (I definitely need to get out more )
Ness x

[agapanthus]

Big old brahmas and pekins for me.    

[GrannieAnnie]

At the moment, we only hvae 6 Bovans Goldline hybrids and 300 Amberlinks, most of them 6 week old chicks (They are 6 weeks today!  Happy birthday dear chickies!!!!)  But I like them because they are white and look nice walking round.  Some of them have varying bits of brown in them but that gives them a little character!

7 of the 12 POL's are now laying, so we are getting there!!!!

[lucyeff]

Mornin everyone!  

It's great finding out about all these different breeds - we met a lady on the local allotment yesterday who has 56 silkies (four goats, some dwarf ducks, cancun pigs - we've been going with Daisy and Lilian to visit them cos we can't afford Cannon Hall!).

She's a veterinary nurse having her close by will come in handy (she said, as I've read on here, that vets don't know much about chickens - they ring her on a weekend for advice!).

I must admit, I think I've fallen for the pekin bantams..esp the lavender ones. I bet they're the dearest  :roll:  How much do these usually cost? There's an ad on the net for a trio of white ones for £25, is that about the norm?

I'm in Wakefield, I'm wondering whether Selby or Penistone auctions might be best too for when we've got to grips and might want more... not sure if Penistone is still on though, I'll have to get my dad to find out as his mate is a regular.

Are there any breeds that you'd avoid?

Lucy

ps Si is out in the frost doing the chicken coop/run. So I'm off to mums with the kids cos I keep interrupting him to get him to have a look at pictures of chickens on the net. I even DREAMT about chickens last night, sad * I am.  :shock:  We pick them up tomorrow!