4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[seraphine]

Our hens are due to arrive next Tuesday and I've just this minute taken a call from Omlet HQ who advised me they have no Gingernut Rangers in stock and don't know when they will be getting any.

 

We'd ordered two GRs and one Miss Pepperpot, so our options are now to have three MPs or source the chickens elsewhere. I've just called my husband and he's reluctant to go for the sourcing elsewhere as he wants Omlet to come and do everything initially - we are complete novices so I totally see his point.

 

However, my concern is the friendliness of the MPs - we have two daughters aged 1 and 4, hence we went for two GRs for their friendliness, being easy to tame etc.

 

What are your opinions on Miss Pepperpots and having 3 girls the same breed?

 

Thanks

[Tweety]

Hi Seraphine,

 

I started my chicken keeping life with 2 Gingernuts and 2 Pepperpots from Omlet, and I haven't found a huge difference between them as far as friendliness is concerned. One of each is very friendly, and the other two run a mile when I try to get near to them - I think a lot depends on how much you handle them when they are young, as well as their individual characters.

 

Good luck with whatever chooks you decide to get !

[seraphine]

Thanks Tweety, that's good to know. I just had it in my head that GRs are much more friendly than MPs, I don't know why I thought that as the breed descriptions are fairly similar.

[Tessa the Duchess]

I have Miss Pepperpots and they are lovely and friendly, I have small grandchildren and they are fine with them, although they do tend to steal any snacks that the children have in their hands

 

Tessa

[jlo]

I originally had one of each. The MPs are gorgeous looking and mine is quite friendly. As others have said, not much to choose between them and it depends on individual personalities to some extent.

 

I know what your OH means, I think that I would be tempted to get the whole kit and caboodle from Omlet.

[Margaret]

Hi,

Quite interesting, iv had my lovely Eglu and 2 Gingernuts 2 weeks this Saturday, and Tallulah was foud dead 4 days after she arrived, very stressful, if you read 'Help Please 'you will read all about it.. Replaced her the next day from a local breeder and both are now fine, but no explanation why she died wonder if there is a problem with them?

Margaret.

[Budgies]

I think it's most likely that because chicken keeping is taking off so fast now, none of the suppliers of POL chickens or hatching eggs can keep up with the demand. I know of several breeders who can't get the batches out quickly enough, and local suppliers have lists of people waiting.

 

I have met a few Miss Pepperpots and like the Gingernuts, they're all their own hens! Some are mega friendly, and some less so, but all will submit to being handled, and the more you handle them, the better and easier it gets.

[Jaack]

I have a MP and she is my friendliest chicken, really good with everyone. However, the nature of a chicken can often just depend on the bird itself, not necessarily the breed. If you treat your chickens well, which im sure you will, you will have no problems with them.

[Henhathnofury]

I began with a Gingernut and a Pepperpot - they are both over two years old now. My Pepperpot seemed to be completely different from the breed I had seen described: she was wild and never in the least bit friendly, hated being handled and squatted for us when she felt like it. Now she is a different bird: quiet, sweet and a real darling. Our Gingernut has always been an angel. But I believe that my girl was an exception...most are really gorgeous and lay large brown eggs.

[Plum]

My gingernuts are very friendly but the pepperpot is not so keen on being handled however, she is very happy to walk all over me and sit on me especially if food is around.

[fluffyknickers]

Sounds like its all different!

 

I have two gungernuts from Omlet and one pepperpot.

 

My pepperpot is my favourite (dont tell them that though).

 

She is the easiest to handle and cuddle and the one I chose to bring to my sons school for the children to feed and stroke.

 

She also laid first too.

 

I adore pepperpots.

x

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Hi,

Quite interesting, iv had my lovely Eglu and 2 Gingernuts 2 weeks this Saturday, and Tallulah was foud dead 4 days after she arrived, very stressful, if you read 'Help Please 'you will read all about it.. Replaced her the next day from a local breeder and both are now fine, but no explanation why she died wonder if there is a problem with them?

Margaret.

 

There are loads of reasons why a chook can die suddenly. They are very good little actresses & hide symptoms until its too late to treat them in many cases.

 

I'm glad to see you've got a friend for your GR & all seems to be going well,

 

Sha x

[BocBoc]

We have 2 x GR's and 1 x MP from Omlet - had them almost three months now. They all have different personalities but are all fine. The only differences between ours are : the MP is bigger than the GR's and she lays much bigger eggs. The MP's are beautifully coloured with dark feathers shimmering blue - very pretty. The GR's look very scruffy in the wet!!

[Mrs G]

Hiya,

 

We have three Miss P's and they are all lovely and have their own personalities; they all coming running when we go outside (mainly because they want treats) and are all fine with our 4 yr old son. He loves to go in the run and dig holes which they think is great as he often digs up worms which they adore, only problem is they tend to try to stand wherever he tries to dig - they are such funny little characters. Still - I know any one of them would mug an old lady if there was a grape in it for them!! LOL I doubt you will regret getting 3 Miss P's, we originally requested a GN but had the same problem - but at the end of the day we have three happy, healthy ladies whom we all love and spoil rotten - in return they keep us company/entertained when working in the garden and provide the most wonderful eggs

[Hangman]

Our Pepperpot lives up to the stereotype and is not as friendly as the Gingers - however, friendliness is not an indication of how good they are with (and for!) children. They're not aggressive birds, and it may be beneficial in a way if you have a "less friendly" hen - kids love getting hands on with pets, but birds are very delicate - a Gingernut is less likely to run off and therefore a higher chance of accidental injury.

[debbier]

I just ordered an eglu with 2 gingernuts and 1 MP from Omlet, due end June, so was wondering when/if they'd let me know of any supply problems?

[Abbey Road Girl]

I love my four Pepperpots and wouldn't change them for the world. Yes, they do tend to defend themselves from you sneaking up on them, but that just goes to show that they have some inherited wisdom (why would they want to end up as dinner?).

 

Besides, their black feathers have such a lovely glossy blue-green sheen in the sunshine.

 

(I'm sure that Gingernut Rangers are just as lovely in their own way.)