leopardstar Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 We got two two speckled sussex bantums who aren't quite at point of lay yet. They're extremely pretty girls who will lay a good number of eggs. We're looking at finding a home for them as they're a bit too flighty for my two young children. We're in gloucestershire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Don't part with them yet. They will settle down when they come into lay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I agree with Egluntine. We've 4 chickens, one of which was very flighty and flappety - not particualrly pleasant to deal with. After a week of laying she is now absolutely fine, really calm. The difference is much more noticeable than you would think possible, honest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Egluntine's right - I have 10 banties myself and a wealth of experience. As soon as they start to lay they will become so much more biddable. One on my newer hens has just started; she used to be very skittish and unbiddable - now she follows me everywhere, chatting away and always wants to be picked up. Give them a bit of time They sound lovely; any pictures? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 That'll be why my 11 month old Speckled Sussex runs a mile when I go near her then, lazy ***** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 That'll be why my 11 month old Speckled Sussex runs a mile when I go near her then, lazy ***** Some birds are just untameable Fee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I could cope with her being a bit jumpy if she'd just lay a flippin egg - but a hen that you can't get near AND doesn't lay eggs - what's the point? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Ahhh, that explains her skittishness then. How odd that she hasn't laid yet - a barren hen I guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Could she be a chap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Could she be a chap? Might be a late developer.... Arthur or Martha? Got any photos Fee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Arthur or Martha? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Would be a very late developer at 11 months - no. def a girl, a big lazy lump of a girl. She was the only fertile egg out of 6, doesn't have true markings (only a bit of brown speckling, mostly black) and sometimes I think she looks more like she's an Orp cross. I was conned I think Just went out and tried to take a pic - impossible, she wouldn't stand still . This is her a few months ago - she's much rounder now but head gear still the same Sorry for hi-jacking your post Leopardstar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I suppose you must get the odd barren hen from time to time, especially if they are the result of a dubious pairing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Hmmm, looks a bit of a Heinz to me Fee But a girl nonetheless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Those fluffy knickers have a look of the orp about them if you ask me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I shouldn't say it but she's my least favourite - all my girls I can pick up and cuddle and check over. I have to get her in a corner and pounce, which is distressing for her but I need to check her over from time to time. As you say, if she would only start laying she might mellow a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatsCube Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Hmm she does look very Orp with exception of the tail feathers which are too long and upright. I did see a chicken just like her today but I dont know what breed it was ment to be to tell you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
