Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Bettiboo]

Can anyone tell me about Bantams and standard (is that what they're called ) hens.

 

I'm looking to get an arc that is 6 foot x 4 foot 3 inches. Ideally I'd like 3-4 hens. They need to lay some eggs (but not neccessarily every day), be tame and friendly, not interested in flying over our 5 foot fence, hardy. They will be able to free range daily although not all day so will spend some time in the run.

 

Can anyone help me decide whether it's best to get bantams or normal sized chickens.

 

Arrghhh this is such a difficult decision. My husband thinks I should just go to the breeder and pick the hens we like the look of but I want to make sure we make the right decision and that the hens are happy.

[Roobaloo]

From my limited knowledge...if you want a hen of that description, go for a hybrid type (which most people consider a 'standard hen') as they are hardy, lay well, are less likely to go broody and normally very easy to tame (mine sat on my shoulder by day two!!) If you learn how to clip their wings, they're unlikely to even try to 'jump' more than 3ft...and even then, it's usually only if they're startled.

[Egluntyne]

I have both, and there are merits to each.

 

Bantams tend to stop laying over winter, go broody at the drop of a hat and lay very small eggs, but are full of character.

 

Hybrids lay decent sized eggs and are a good hen for beginners.

 

I'd say that you would fit 3 hybrids quite happily in that size of run.