tomdeane Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Hi there, Thank you everyone for your advice in all my other posts. I feel that I am ready to build my hen house & run now... I spoke to the nearest breeders to me and all they have is hybrid black rhode islands or columbian blacktails... which is better, i need 2 nice quiet hens that lays consistently, and dont make much noise (due to living in a terraced house) anyone know which breed to go for? or pros and cons of each breed? Thanks for your help, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Go for one of each! Not a big difference really between a lot of the hybrids, more down to individual personality. Nice to have a variety of chickens and eggs though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I agree with Snowy. A bit of variety is nice. Makes it easy to tell them apart initially too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomdeane Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 will they get on though? i will buy them both on the same day... but from different places. Will hey just get on automatically? anyone had any problems with buying different breeds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 They are as likely to get on as two from the same breed. They both will be in a new situation so neither will have the advantage so to speak. There may be an initial bit of pecking order stuff.....but it should settle quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I bought 3 different breeds at the same time. They had been living together in a large flock so I suppose they "knew" each other but they settled in together with no problems at all. They seem to be best friends and usually wander round together in a little group . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomdeane Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 great... but does anyone know if these breeds are quiet and friendly, and how often they lay? as i cant seem to find ay information on them on the net. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 As hybrids, I would assume that their temperament is similar to most other hybrids. Certainly the columbian blacktail is classed as docile and a good layer. It is also known as a calder ranger (I would think very similar to the gingernut ranger) http://www.blpbooks.co.uk/articles/evaluating_layers/evaluating_layers_introduction.php They are used by Waitrose as their free range egg producers http://www.stonegate.co.uk/blacktail.asp I presume the black rhode islands you mention are black rocks. They are a cross between the barred plymouth rock and the rhode island red. Ideal for free ranging, good layers of dark brown eggs and docile. Both hybrids are mentioned in these lists of docility: http://www.poultry.allotment.org.uk/Chicken_a/aggression_poultry/poultry_genetics.php Personally, I think they will both suit your requirements perfectly - up to you which combination you go for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomdeane Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 thanks for the advice... i think I will go and look at them tomorrow and see which breed I like, if I like the look of both I will get one of each. I have no idea or colour or size or what they will look like at all (apart from they will look like a chicken lol) Thanks for the advice, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I've just looked on a website which says that columbian blacktail's are the same as Calder Rangers. Ours is lovely natured and quiet. She also lays nice large eggs. Have a look at the link on my signature to have a look at her. She's Dave, the ginger hen with a few black bits on her tail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomdeane Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 she looks good... i see where the 'blacktail' bit in the name comes in now... lol. i buy the columbian blacktail eggs from waitrose anyway so i may just get two of those, except if the black rocks ones look as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 My Ginger Spice is basically a black rock under a different name. She is lovely...probably the most placid hen amongst my lot although she will stand up for herself if necessary. She lays virtually every day without any fuss or noise. She is also very tolerant when my son and his friends pick her up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...