fujcube Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Hi all, Upon return from our Summer Holiday at the end of August, we are looking to start raising our own chickens, quail and possibly ducks for freeranging in our garden (quail will be kept in a secure environment to prevent escapes!!) At the moment, I am busy with fencing the back garden off and making a secure area for our 'new family'. We are also lucky enough to have a large air raid shelter which we will be using as the main housing area for our birds. Hopefully I will be able to upload some photos over the next few days and weeks of the area in question and to show progress on the construction work. In the meantime, I have a few questions that I would appreciate all your comments, suggestions, help and advice on. 1. How high can chickens and ducks go with either one or both of their wings clipped? 2. We would like to introduce chickens, ducks & quail into our garden to bring it to life, for a supply of eggs and as an interest/hobby. They will not be going in the oven!!! With this in mind, which breeds would meet one or more of the following criteria? 1. Good layer 2. Good with children 3. Garden friendly Ideally we would like to introduce birds from old or rare breeds. Hopefully, I'll get round to getting a Blog started in the next day or two!! Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Tilytinkle Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Hi there Fujcube, Just a quickie . .but I would cross off No. 3 !!! We have quite common stock a Medlesham Blue but she is so gentle , funny, curious & friendly. We had gingernut rangers one who was so affectionate she would sit on ya knee to be stroked . Also think its what you get them used to as weve never really cuddled or stroked ours but we inherited ones who were cuddled and I must admit it was such fun & so lovely. We have a heritage skylark now she is so sweet & gentle, but our white ooh cant recall her breed is wild, no chance of touching her & she pecks!! Our pepperpots crouch and will be stroked for few mins but leg it as soon as they can. Ours can jump onto the Omlet cube roof . But I prefer them to be able to jump it makes me feel less guilty should a fox come, least I haven't taken away their natural survival instinct. All reasonable layers, its nice having a mix of colours, white, brown & greeny/blue. Ms Tillysgardenischickenfriendlysoarethenighboursthelaneandanywhereelsethechickens canjumpoverclimbonwalktoorsqueezetunder . Weusedtohaveabeautifullawn,perfectgrassflowersndshrubswenowhavedustbathsbathingholes andscratchednibbledeverythingsandanythingwhichisbeneaththehedgesiskickedoutontolawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Take a look at the Wernlas website for info on some old breeds, the Dorking is one that springs to mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 Although the breed gives a guideline, all chickens vary. They don't read their breed descriptions! I have a gingernut ranger who is a beautiful, cuddly, friendly girl. She lays well and her only 'fault' is that she is pretty much hyperactive and always begging for treats. Lovely though and the gentlest girl taking food from the hand, even from children. My Miss Pepperpot is a darling now but was a devil when young. Not very friendly, but I heard that most are lovely. Very big brown eggs. I had an Amber Star who unfortunately died of a genetic weakness. But she was beautiful, a child's favourite. My Light Sussex is currently my angel. Flighty though and nervous with anyone but me. Fantastic layer. My Speckled Sussex - now that is a rare breed. She's a bit of a strange one but generally the breed is hardy, docile and lays well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
