shelley8179 Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 I have 3 bantams, last weekend one was attacked by a cat and might have lost one of her eyes (have to wait till the swelling to go down before we know for sure) Was thinking of getting some LF hens to be bodyguards but was wondering which breed (pure or hybrid) would go well with Bantams? any ideas please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Pure Breeds as a rule are more laid back than hybrids, so may integrate better with the bantams. However, hybrids would probably make better bodyguards In seriousness, any integrations will take time with either, so would depend on which you would prefer, but integrations will probably be "easier" with pure breeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelley8179 Posted January 28, 2010 Author Share Posted January 28, 2010 I do like Faverolle and silkies, fluffy and cute to go with my pekins and D'uccle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 I'm not sure they'd act as bodyguards at all. My bantams are very feisty and see all the cats off. I wouldn't get any LF personally as they don't always integrate with bantams - although I know some have managed it. You might be better off with an electric fence - that'll literally give the cats ( and foxes) a shock! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelley8179 Posted January 28, 2010 Author Share Posted January 28, 2010 I can't as I have cats and a dog of my own who don't bother the chickens at all. I was just talking to a friend who has chickens and his hybrids keep cats away so it was just an idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 It may be an idea, I'd think hybrids may be better bodyguards. You'll have to integrate them slowly and they should be ok together - we have PP's and bantams which will be integrated. ATM they live separately but free-range together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 You can mix LF with bantams, as I have. Here you can see them all sharing a run together and there is a right mixture of breeds, some hybrid and some pure breeds. However they were seperated for nearly 3 months before this happened! So if you are going to mix them, take the intros very slowly and carefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelley8179 Posted January 28, 2010 Author Share Posted January 28, 2010 Wow love your WIR chick wiggle, there are so many different breeds its hard to choose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Thank you, and yes, there are far too many breeds, and I want them all mwahahahaa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelley8179 Posted January 28, 2010 Author Share Posted January 28, 2010 How big is your WIR? and how many chickens live in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Ooo its difficult to say exactly as its such an odd shape, but roughly about 25sqm and I have 11 LF and 5 bantams. So a little bit of room left for more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelley8179 Posted January 28, 2010 Author Share Posted January 28, 2010 A WIR was my next project but now my D'uccle has been hurt I am trying to get her sorted first and keeping the cats away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Good prioritys, i hope her eye gets better soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 To decide which larger hens to get see what's in your area first and what the prices are like...those are usually the limiting factors. My hens, although 2 largish hybrids and 2 pure breeds vary a great deal in size, but get on really well together now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
