1gp Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 hi, just to say hello, i have just finnshed converting my shed to a coop , with a 25 metre run. now its time for chickens ... whats the best layers to get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend21 Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 For me it is my exbatts, I have had eggs everyday since last may, even when moulting I get about between 4 - 6 a day but in the really bad weather I get about 3. I have 6 ex batts, but I do love the fancy girls, I would like to add another 3 or 4 good looking girls saying that I love my girls soooo much Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Kate Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 ex batts! ex batts! sorry, I am very biased with my paltry flock of two.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 How many girls are you looking for? Hybrids are the best layers as they are bred for this purpose and lay all year round. Purebreeds live for long and normally have some of the winter off laying, but they are spectacular to look at. Maybe I mix of both, that's what I went for in the end Good luck Any pics for your coop? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 Welcome to the forum I'd too say get hybrids or a mix of hybrids and pure breeds ... you can also help choose by the egg colours you might get Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1gp Posted February 24, 2010 Author Share Posted February 24, 2010 thanks guys, going to get 6. thanks for advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northstarred Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 hi, just to say hello, i have just finnshed converting my shed to a coop , with a 25 metre run. now its time for chickens ... whats the best layers to get? WOW 25m run -any piccies?? Good luck with your hen choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 Hi there and welcome, if you've never had hens before I'd say start with hybrid layers too. Your basic little brown hen really, lay regularly and rarely go broody. Sounds like you'd have a lot of space, if you can sort extra temporary housing then when you're happy with your first lot and have some confidence you can add some ex batts or ex barn hens, or get some pure breeds for coloured eggs (because you almost certainly WILL want more once you've got them!! ) BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Shirl Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Welcome to the forum. Good luck with your chickens. You are in good company here. We love to see pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Welcome to the forum Your girls will be spoilt My best layers are my Isa Brown, she lays plum/brown eggs of a good size, my Amber Lee who is white hybrid, she is a small but very chatty bird who again lays good sized brown eggs daily. My Goldline is the prettiest of my girls and the most friendly and she lays most days too. I would avoid the Bluebelles if you want daily eggs, mine is a lovely bird but she lays quite small thin shelled eggs despite being quite big herself and she only lays about 4 a week. I wouldn't be without her though because she is a beauty. If you want a pure breed my Light Sussex lays beautiful eggs almost daily in the summer, she is huge now and about 3 years old, she does stop from about November to February though. Hybrids will lay throughout their first winter but will have a couple of months off after their first moult the following winter. Good luck and have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
