[Goldfinger]

Me (or should that be us) and our big mouths  , have talked so much about our (obsession with  our) hens, that my sisters' 2 daughters wants us to get some chooks for them...

But US to keep and look after them!!   

Now, with a little adjustment to the run (the coop's fine size wise), we'll be able to take on another 2 chooks.

I know I've mentioned that I/we would like a couple more chickens come the new year, so could this be a excuse to get them??

Anyway, I've been looking into what to get, and have decided on something a bit different (to me that is), either welsummers or columbines. Mainly for their eggs being either blue or almost dark chocolate brown as the 'net puts it.

Any advice will be greatly received on either the breeds.

[Lindeggs]

My advice: I hope your nieces will be paying for their feed, maintenance and vet's bills! 

[Surferchick]

We have a few Welsummer's and they are more flighty than other breeds we have. I am assuming your nieces will want to be able to pick them up and hold them so might be worth considering a more docile breed??

[Sassy]

Are columbines hybrids?

If so there is a greater chance that they will be vaccinated. Do check as it is not advisable to keep a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated birds

[joyfull]

columbines are an araucana cross and you cannot guarantee you will get blue eggs - they could be blue, green olive, drab or any mixture of those colours.

[Goldfinger]

Oh, I didn't know they were 'flighty'. 

I may just stick to the 'simpiler' breed like my current ones.

[Tigerwren]

Hi all,
I have a lovely Columbine and she is the most cuddly, adorable girl.  Each chicken has a completely different personality, so I think go for what you like and get them quite young, then handle as much as you can.  There are obvious flighty breeds to be aware of, but even then, you just can't tell.  Good luck!  What a lovely conundrum!!

[ManicMum]

Depending on the ages of your nieces, it might be nice to get them each a different breed so each can quickly identify "her" bird - and if the eggs are different colours too, then that would help with "ownership".

I agree about paying for the feed and other costs - unless you make the birds and a year's keep their Christmas pressies?

If they are very young, however, and would not understand about illness/death, it might be easier just to point into the flock or pick up a sociable girlie & say "that one is yours"!

[Goldfinger]

Guess they (sellers) use the word 'docile' to make you buy them. 

And, as you've just said TW, if you handle them enough from being young, they will be easier to work with, same with 'most' animals really.

[Goldfinger]

Depending on the ages of your nieces, it might be nice to get them each a different breed so each can quickly identify "her" bird - and if the eggs are different colours too, then that would help with "ownership".

I agree about paying for the feed and other costs - unless you make the birds and a year's keep their Christmas pressies?

If they are very young, however, and would not understand about illness/death, it might be easier just to point into the flock or pick up a sociable girlie & say "that one is yours"!

Forgot to say, our nieces are 10 and 8  .

So I think they should understand about looking after animals and death etc, they've got a guinea pig and cocker pup at their house the moment.