zmurffi Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 Hi I'm a newby and am due to get my lilac Eglu next Friday. I am hoping to get some hens beginning of August. I have visited someone I know locally who breeds various types of chicken for laying showing and eating. I want good pet hens who will hopefully keep us in eggs and entertainment for some years to come. Her chickens are all used to people and free range around her gardens. I liked the Light Sussex, Cuckoo Marans and Wellsomers. Does anyone have any of these and can let me know what they are like as garden hens. Also I am a bit worried about some of the plants in the garden, are chickens intelligent anough to know what they should and shouldn't eat. That should do for now. Thanks in advance for any help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 I have a Light Sussex and she is delightful. A big friendly girl and a real beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 Welsummers and marans lay lovely dark brown eggs The maran is pretty and a bit different, Welsummers have pretty feathers in different shades of brown Sussex are very pretty too They will eat your garden plants, they normally avoid anythng that is bad for them but will eat pretty much most other things Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 I have a Maran. She has been a very reliable layer, what you would call your traditional farmyard hen - always busy, no fuss, likes to scratch and does not like to be picked up. She's never had any illness *touch wood*, a hardy little hen. Light Sussex are gorgeous, buxom looking hens. I heard that Welsummers can be flighty, never seen one in the flesh though. If you are worried about your garden it's easily overcome with some chicken proof netting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 I have a light sussex and a welsummer. The sussex is a very reliable layer and fairly friendly. The welsummer is the most timid of my 11 chooks, does lay nice dark eggs, but not very often, I'm getting maybe 2 or 3 a week, not sure if that's usual though or just her . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmurffi Posted July 12, 2009 Author Share Posted July 12, 2009 Thanks everyone, think I will definitly start off with the Sussex and Maran, can't wait to get my Eglu Friday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
