Phonix Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hi, im new to the site and am thinking of getting chickens and of course an eglu! I was just wondering if you could give me any advice: Im completely new to the idea of keeping chooks but have been looking at the breeds and I would love 2 Silkies and 2 of another breed (possibly bigger and a breed that are good egg-layers) - would this be possible? What second breed would anyone recommend? Thanks stacey x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hello Phonix and welcome to the forum . You won't regret getting hens or an eglu - they're brilliant . Can't advise on breeds really - I have a Rhode Island Red, a Pied Suffolk and a Columbine (who lays green eggs ). If you're looking for general advice about chicken keeping, you could do worse than spend time reading up on here. There have been loads of new members recently who have asked all the appropriate questions . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hello and welcome from me too. I would go for Omlet hens if you are getting an Eglu. They are nice easy breeds to deal with, are fully vaccinated and are ideal for the beginner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanut12 Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Indeed, the Gingernut Ranger is a good layer and friendly bird (loves a cuddle from my daughter) Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hi & Welcome to the Forum. Whatever chickens you chose, you'll only want more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phonix Posted February 10, 2008 Author Share Posted February 10, 2008 thanks for the speedy replies! I can't get Omlet chickens i'm afraid - they don't cover my area! I love the look of Silkies and from all my reading (sneaking in the forums included) they seem to be ideal friendly pets BUT i still want a couple that are good layers but don't know if i should mix the two! Im already getting the feeling that chickens are addictive! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hello Phonix and welcome to the forum! Yes, you are right chickens are certainly addictive! My advice would be to find a breeder near you and contact them. Go and see what you like the look of. its very easy to fall in love with a breed and then not be able to get it locally. All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I had to get mine from a local farm - we just picked 3 we liked the look of. He did tell me which breeds he had but when we got there, we'd forgotten which was which and got all confused so just picked 3 that were a nice contrast colourwise (black, dark brown and light brown) . They are all lovely and their eggs are too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 its very easy to fall in love with a breed and then not be able to get it locally. I agree with the above, like Christian says - check out some of the breeders in your area and go and have a wander around and see them. There are so many to choose from, sometimes you end up falling in love with something you dont expect to get! Welcome to the forum by the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phonix Posted February 10, 2008 Author Share Posted February 10, 2008 thanks guys...does anyone know of any breeders in the merseyside area? I can't seem to find any but maybe im just not looking in the right places! The best I seem to be able to find is one in Penrith close to where my family live x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phonix Posted February 13, 2008 Author Share Posted February 13, 2008 well still no luck with locating a breeder closer to merseyside so the one I found in Penrith says he has these breeds available: Cochin, light sussex, gold silkie bantam, white silkies, salmon faverolles and POL warrens.... I know absolutely nothing about chickens and was wondering if anyone could tell me a bit about any of these breeds? I think im getting a bit ahead of myself as i wont be able to get the chooks for a while but im just sooo excited lol thanks stacey x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 I have a light sussex. She is a BIG girl and lays very well. Doesn't mind being picked up and she is always 'used' as a hand-me-around chicken at my hen courses She is also the boss of my little flock. I would definitely recommend them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 We have cochins. They are probably one of the biggest breeds you can get, very fluffy (but cuddly). They like to free range as they need exercise as they can tend to be lazy and get fat, they dont fly so can be kept with relatively low fencing. they arent good layers, ours are 10months old and have only just started! They are beautiful though and i wouldnt be without them but I think they are more a "glam chook" than a traditional layer. interesting fact about cochins - they originate from china and their feathers were once used to stuff duvets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 here's a pic of my cochins - they are the white and grey one (to give you an idea on size) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...