susiej Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 I have just ordered my Eglu (blue ) which will arrive next week. Unfortunately I live outside the area for hen delivery so now I have the very hard decision to make as to what 2 types of hen should I get?? I would like 2 friendly (3 kids), not too big, good layers, won't mind being in eglu run most of the day (as we both work) . We have a couple of local breeders but I just dont know where to start. One breeder has bantum versions of buff orpingtons and welsummers? Do these type of birds produce normal sized eggs?? Any help much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 Claret is your woman for questions on the Banties Drop her a PM she will be happy to help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 Buff Orps aren't brilliant layers, whether they're big chickens or small . Welsummers lay a nice brown egg and are more prolific than Orpingtons. I had a Welsummer bantie and she was quite a good layer - about 5 eggs a week for about 8 months of the year. Bantie eggs are definitely smaller, but the yolk size is very similar to a normal egg, so it's mainly the white you're losing out on. If you're just going for two chooks and you would like a good supply of eggs, then you might be better starting off with a couple of hybrids - plenty of advice here on which are best!!! Good luck - and welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susiej Posted February 2, 2007 Author Share Posted February 2, 2007 A couple of hybrids is what I was thinking but there are so many different types - hard to know where to start!! Going to call in to a couple of places on Saturday to see what they've got - Eglu arriving Tuesday I'm very excited!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 Hi, Hybrids are great.There are many to choose from,they are pretty consistant layers & they are supposed to be hardy too. I would give Medowsweet a go- they have outlets all over the Uk, so there is bound to be one near to you. http://www.meadowsweetpoultry.co.uk/index3.html Their Whitestar is a lovely hen which lays white eggs, & they do many others too. One other thing,I would consider getting 3 rather than 2 hens.It is a nice number to have in an Eglu & if the worse happens you don't end up with one lonely hen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindy Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 We went for hybrids, having read that they were more disease-resistant and better layers than pure breeds - if a tad less glamorous! We have Blanche, a Sussex Star (white with black neck and tail feathers) and Stella, a Speckled Star (dark grey speckledy). Blanche produces a lovely large pale brown egg and Stella a smaller darker brown speckledy one and they both lay most days. We got the chickens from a Meadowsweet agent who was really helpful and we haven't had a moment's bother with them since we got them in October. I have 3 children (14, 12 and and they love the chickens and are great at helping to do the cleaning out etc. The chickens really do have their own personalities and we have great fun with them. We followed the advice here on the forum for getting them used to handling and it worked a treat. They are perfectly happy for us to pick them up and they follow us around the garden whenever we're out with them, on the look-out for treats. Like you, we are out at work all day and the boys are at school, so I did have concerns about how much freedom we would be able to give them. The foxes around here are fiendish, so the chickens must stay in the run until released by the boys after school and we never leave them unsupervised in the garden. We give them lots of free-ranging time at the weekends. We originally wanted 3 chickens but when I rang Omlet for advice I was told that although the Eglu itself can comfortably house several chickens, the run was only suitable for 2 if their access to the garden was to be restricted, as in our case. It was a bit disappointing, as the forum shows there are good reasons for getting 3 - but we felt we had to follow Omlet's advice. Anyway, we're thrilled with our chickens and they seem happy - and it's absolutely magical to be able to give the lovely eggs to delighted friends and family, as well as enjoying them ourselves of course! Good luck with your venture into the wonderful world of chicken keeping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susiej Posted February 2, 2007 Author Share Posted February 2, 2007 Thanks for that LIndy - it is really helpful to have advise from people in a similar situation. Initially I was thinking 2 hens but then thought maybe 3, but they would spend a fair amount of time in the run in the day so prehaps we should go back to 2 as originally planned. I like the look of the sussex star as well. Thanks for all the post of advise.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conkers Posted February 2, 2007 Share Posted February 2, 2007 Welcome susiej. You will never look back once you've got your chickens! They are totally addictive. Blue eglu sounds lovely too. Enjoy!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susiej Posted February 3, 2007 Author Share Posted February 3, 2007 Just found out that a local breeder is also an agent for meadow sweet , so should have some of the 'star' type hybrids. As it happens my OH used to work with him about 10yrs ago so knows him as well! It is a small world Going to give them a ring later and see if we can go and visit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindy Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 That's great susiej - hope the visit goes well. Looking forward to hearing what sorts of chickens you get! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susiej Posted February 4, 2007 Author Share Posted February 4, 2007 The only POL pullets the breeder had were Meadow rangers - a warren hybrid, they were all brown. They were quite friendly and so we have decided to go for them. I would of liked different coloured hens but its so convienient and I'm so excited I cant wait a few months until he has his next batch in!! We've decided on three ladies for our Eglu and for 4 days of the week they will have some time in the garden so not too bad. Now all I have to decide on is names! I have a few ideas..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted February 4, 2007 Share Posted February 4, 2007 Check out this topic - all about names http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=107&highlight=names Good luck deciding! C x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
