clucky chicken Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Not sure if I'm doing this correctly - put a post on this morning but it hasn't appeared.... New to the website so a bit wet behind the ears... am just about to join the chicken 'set' - and wondering which breed of chicken to get Been looking around, and seen a lovely bluebelle - and wondered if it would be suitable for my small run - ideally want girls to be friendly, good layers, who don't get broody often, and don't mind staying in a run all day till we get home from work whereafter they could roam about our large garden till bedtime.... Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Hi and welcome! Bluebelles are nice hens, very pretty I'm not sure how much knowledge you already have so apologies if you already know this: Bluebelles are hybrids, hybrids are mainly bred for egg production, they will lay like mad for a few years and then will tail off the laying and live for some years more, most hybrids are easy to handle, ideal for beginners and will be fine confined to a run. Pure breed hens will lay less eggs per week, often take the winter off from laying but lay for more years. They come in a wider range of colours and type, some are more frisky than others. In my limited experience (everyone has their own thoughts and experiences!) the lighter built the hen the more flighty it may be but thats not always a bad thing If you arent too worried about the size of the eggs then bantam breeds are worth considering, Pekins are lots of fun Bantam sized versions of regular breeds such as bantam wyandottes, orpingtons, Rhode Island reds and welsummers are all worth a mention Whatever you choose nearly all hens have brilliant personalities It depends on the size of your run as to what number and size hens you should get really but a lot of us have hens in runs for the majority of the time and as long as they arent overcrowded and have things to peck at/perch on they are fine Choosing hens is a personal thing and decisions are often made with the heart not the head but whatever you do check the selling premises and conditions carefully for ill looking birds and cleanliness, never buy something becasue you feel sorry for it and if in doubt walk away Good luck in your choices Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky chicken Posted August 11, 2009 Author Share Posted August 11, 2009 Many thanks for the advice - think I will go for the bluebelle - but thanks for telling me about the various breeders - hadn't thought of that - thought they would all be meticulous - but I guess like everything else there are the odd ones who aren't. Like I say, I'm new to this so any advice anyone can give will be gratefully received!! Have lots of breeders to choose from in my area so will be going the rounds!! Incidentally my hen house has 4 compartments so I assume that's as many as I can have - can I mix ex-bats with other breeds, will they get on OK as would love to rescue a couple of them? Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Its fine to mix ex batts with other breeds, although you will need to keep them separate whilst you carry out introductions. There are loads of good threads on Introductions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara-W Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Bluebelles were my first chickens I have 3 they are the tamest of all my chickens -perfect in every way! They are friendly, easy to handle, great with children and lay an egg every day! Here are my 3 sitting on my windowsill waiting for me to come out with treats!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 To the post above: Your girls are so GORGEOUS and full or character ------------------------------------------------------ To the chicken ponderer WELCOME TO THE FORUM I hope you find the chooks you are looking for xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Incidentally my hen house has 4 compartments so I assume that's as many as I can have Am not sure what you mean by "compartments"? Nest boxes maybe? If so, then they will share nest boxes as they won't all lay at the same time. Most books etc recommend no more than 4 hens per nest box, but obviously this doesn't mean you should have 16 hens as it depends on size of house and run, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Hi Clucky, welcome to the forum. The number of chickens you can have is really governed by the size of run you have and how often you move it. . If you have too many chickens, then you'll end up with problems. Three is a good number to start with. Chickens are flock creatures and don't do well on their own. If you have three, then if something happens unexpectedly to one, you'll still have two and won't have to run around quickly trying to get a replacement. Blubelles are gorgeous hybrids. I have one of those in my flock - she's my oldest Girl and is very special. Whatever breeds or hybrids you choose, I'm sure you'll love them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beca Chick Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 I am a first timer with chickens ! I 've had one Black Rock and one Calder ranger . If you buy an eglu here you have an Omlet Guide to Buying chickens to help . It really helped me !!!! Good Luck !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tink Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 Can certainly recommend Bluebelles...our is the friendliest one of our 4..and certainly the boldest...thinks nothing of marching into the kitchen for treats even though she has only been here 2 weeks Came into the living room yesterday - OH wasnt too thrilled!! Also very good with the kids....my youngest is 2 and can tend to be a bit 'grabby'! Also found our warren to be very friendly too...she is a cross Rhode Island Red/Light Sussex. Also have a Columbine and Light Sussex - these 2 tended to be flighty at the start but soon came round with effort.. I think whatever you choose you will be happy with - they all seem to have fantastic personalities and their own little quirks!! Good luck choosing!! Whatever you decide to get your list will probably go out the window anyway when you get to the breeders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky chicken Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 Many Many Thanks for all your replies - going to jump in with both feet tommorrow and see some - will let you know how I get on - but something tells me I shall want every one I see!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky chicken Posted August 17, 2009 Author Share Posted August 17, 2009 Hi there everyone - I'm now the proud owner of 4 chickens - 2 black rocks, 1 meadowsweet and a sussex star - names, Gertie, Maud, Polly, and Whydid (as in the chicken cross the road!!!) Very proud of them - they are such sweet creatures, now looking forward to getting our first eggs.! Not laid anything yet, but as they're only just 20 weeks - I guess they are soon to start. Thanks for all your advice - they certainly are great fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Photos please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrensWorld Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Not sure if I'm doing this correctly - put a post on this morning but it hasn't appeared.... New to the website so a bit wet behind the ears... am just about to join the chicken 'set' - and wondering which breed of chicken to get Been looking around, and seen a lovely bluebelle - and wondered if it would be suitable for my small run - ideally want girls to be friendly, good layers, who don't get broody often, and don't mind staying in a run all day till we get home from work whereafter they could roam about our large garden till bedtime.... Any suggestions? Warrens/ISA Browns, all you want and more. We're a little biased...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
