swade Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Hello, I am new to the forum and looking to get some chickens in the new year. I just wondered if anyone could recommend a particular breed for a first time owner? I have been reading books/magazines but i think sometimes its best to hear peoples views. Thank you in advance swade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 If you want lots of eggs for not too long, go for hybrids. They are bred for egg production, but are past their best after a couple of years. I had 4 hybrids april 08, they laid like crazy for the first year, I have 3 left, 2 have taken early retirement and haven't laid for months I also have 7 pure breds, they live longer, (up to 8 yrs supposedly - mine keep dying on me ) but tend to go broody or have a holiday through the winter, so less eggs over a longer period, I've had no eggs from my chooks since september ( oh, apart from a dozen from my silkie between broody spells ) Character all comes down to personal preference and if you have low fencing , you may want to take that into consideration and go for breeds that don't get too far off the ground, some breeds are more flighty than others - my legbar can fly half the length of the garden no problem. my favourite breeds ( don't tell the chooks ) are warren(also known as gingernut ranger ) and Speckledy for the hybrids and sussex, dorking, faverolle, silkie, australorp and legbar for the purebreds ( actually - I love just about all the purebreds ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 For someone just starting out with chickens I'd also say go for hybrids ... more eggs, friendly and make good pets Where abouts are you in the country? There might be somewhere/someone you could go to, to to look at the different breeds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swade Posted December 26, 2009 Author Share Posted December 26, 2009 Hi,thanks for your replys. I am in somerset (taunton side). Would be good if there are some members close by to me. thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 The Devon Traditional Breeds Centre just outside Exeter is a brilliant place to visit to see lots of types of chickens up close, they are all pure breeds and the place is very well set out and maintained, I would magine they would be more than willing to answer questions and offer advice The chickens are reasonably expensive from there but if you visit the place it is clear they get the best of everything and are in excellent health Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emchook Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 I have 3 warrens . I bought them as I wanted some child friendly chickens. And these chooks have turned out to be brilliant ! They are completely friendly and very easy to handle and they trail us around the garden like little dogs sometimes. Two of them remain on the ground constantly. But one of them jumps over the omlet netting and I have seen her "climb". But the kids think its great to put her back on the right side of the netting. ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Personally, I would go for a mix of pure breeds and hybrids - maybe 2 of each? Depends on your accommodation I suppose, but if you have room I would say that would be ideal. Then you are likely to have a continuous supply of eggs, and you will learn the differences between the two in time to decide what's best for you in future. I can also recommend rescuing some ex battery hens, but not necessarily as a first time choice. Good luck - you will have a ball! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Hi there, I am not too far away from you. As suggested the Devon Traditional Breed Centre is fab for an afternoon out (coffee shop & chickens!) at Crediton. Their hens are top notch - a tad on the pricey side but you get what you pay for. There is a breeder of hybrids near Wellington (Holcombe Rogus) if you want no nonsense reliable layers: http://www.fentonpoultry.co.uk/chickens.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
