Imo Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Just got a new hen yesterday, Queenie, who we were told offhandishly was a Bluebelle. She's pretty stocky - her legs are much softer and fatter than any hen I've had before. She's got lovely copper feathers round her neck too. I'll just post a picture, actually.... We don't ever buy hens so much for the breed, as long as they have a good temprement and will be good layers and look good and are healthy, then we're happy!! But it'd be nice if anyone could let me know what breeds she's likely to be crossed with if she is a Bluebelle? Oh, and please excuse my incredibly red knuckles It was SNOWING outside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 What a lovely looking hen Imo. I don't know anything about bluebelles, I'm afraid. Someone more knowledgeable will be along in a minute though, I'm sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layla Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 i have a bluebell but she is grey blue all over .....yours must b a cross Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 One of my hens I got on Friday is a Bluebelle, but she doesn't have the copper coloured feathers around her neck ? I've seen several photos of Bluebelles , but none have the copper feathers, maybe yours is crossed with something different ? Think Cotswold chickens have a photo on their site if you want to look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirkwood Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 what ever she is crossed with she is one good looking hen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imo Posted March 24, 2008 Author Share Posted March 24, 2008 Thats what I thought... the guy who sold the chickens was very helpful, but couldn't tell us exactly what she was cross with; the other hens Queenie was with were predominantly all grey, with just dark grey feathers around their neck. There were only a few that had this gorgeous copper colour around their necks, and Queenie has some around her breast too but you can't really see it from that picture. If anyone else knows what she might be cross with, please share!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 I particularly love the black beak. And the way her alternating black toenail/white toenail feet match one another. She's very lovely. I can see why you chose her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 According to my sketchy research, a bluebelle is a cross between a maran cockerel and a rhode island red hen. She should lay an egg with a 'plum blush'. Because they are a hybrid you will get some variation in colour, some are all blue, some do have a very distinctive golden ruff. All the same breed though! They do grow quite large compared to the standard gingernuts and pepperpots, but not as big as the orps/cochins/brahmas. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imo Posted March 24, 2008 Author Share Posted March 24, 2008 Ahhh that makes a lot of sense Thanks very much for finding that information. I was aware she might be bigger than Viv [whose just a regular speckledey] - she's so lovely I don't like to have favourites but I'm very very fond of her already! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Here's a photo of my Bluebelle - no brown bit, but very friendly! Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imo Posted March 24, 2008 Author Share Posted March 24, 2008 Aww how lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 She's a beauty Imo.....and her nails are perfectly manicured! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 My Bella is identical to yours, as is another forum member's (can't remember who ) and I remember us both referring to them as 'cut & shuts' because of the colouring around the neck. I think you will find she is a very good layer and very friendly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imo Posted March 25, 2008 Author Share Posted March 25, 2008 Ah! Well I knew she wasn't completely unique, because some of the other bluebelles she was with had the same markings, though hers are very prominant down her front Maybe Vivienne is jealous of them and that's why she's giving her such a hard time.... They're settling down together this morning actually, so hopefully she'll calm down and be laying shortly. She's remarkably good tempered when it comes to handling - I've never known a hen like it! Though bluebelles are supposed to be good tempered, aren't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 What a beautiful hen! I love her markings. We bought 2 Silkies yesterday, but rather than hijack your thread, I will post on a separate thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layla Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 Mines exactly the same as yours Tracy .........she s a little flighty ......always flapping about something (a bit like me) but i am taming her ........with treats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...