Sooo much pooping

[Dizzy-Deb]

Hi everyone.

 

I would welcome some advice as to what chickens to get when ? I see there are so many wonderful breeds but as a complete novice feel a bit overwhelmed

 

I know I want the Cube + 3m run... which will eventually be moved to WIR when constructed. I want I think 3 chickens to start... but as said unsure which breed.

 

Should I order some from Omlet when placing my order for the Cube or look for some from the area where I live. I have had some advice where there are chickens sellers.

 

There is so much to take in... and I am so grateful that found this forum so can ask and be pointed in right direction.

 

I dont want to make any mistakes and want to try to be as informed as possible. xxx

[Tiggy]

welcome to the forum, I started chicken keeping just 2 years ago & have learned so much on here, I started with Omlet girls because I didnt feel confident enough to take on ex bats, unfortunately my first 2 hens were taken by a fox then a buzzard in the middle of the day!!! I ve since had ex bats & its not too bad they soon turn into 'normal' chickens. It depends on what you want, there are lots of very pretty breeds but may not lay as well as warrens (commercial farm/battery hens), Im sure someone on here will be along soon with more info.

[grageomat]

Welcome to the Forum

 

You are right there are so many different types and the problem is you will end up wanting them all. It really depends what you want out of your chickens? do you want eggs eggs eggs? if so you might be better getting a hybrid (omlet supplies) If you think the eggs just an added bonus then go for a pure breed, as they come in so much different and fancy colours, Do you want small chickens (bantams) or large Fowl? once you have deiced on size you then will need to decide if you want to be able to pick them up do you want them docile and easily handled? Or do u just want them pottering about the garden doing their own thing?

 

A lovely docile breed i would reccomend to anyone is the Wyandotte which you get large fowl or bantam sized

Pekins are also very docile and i wouldnt be without them (bantam)

Silkies are goreous to look at all fluffy though dont lay a lot of Eggs too busy being broody- large or bantam

The cream legbar is a lovely looking bird and lays Lovely blue eggs though a bit flighty and skittish - large not sure if there is a bantam version!

Marrans also not docile but lovely eggs!

 

Hope this helps a bit hopefully i haven't added to your confusion any more.

Grant

[Dizzy-Deb]

Hi Tiggy

 

many thanks for the quick reply.

 

I am so sorry to read of the loss of your first chickens, I must admit I am dreading that ever happening to mine when I have some. I get very attached to the creatures under my care (of which I have many ).

 

I think this forum is excellent with so much information and wonderful people willing to advise.

 

I have always had 'rescue' animals of one kind or another over the years, and know its very rewarding to give them a second chance. In the future if do have more chickens would probably get some then. For my first lot I would prefer to get some youngsters and see how get on with them.

 

If I do go down getting some from Omlett I take it they deliver them with the coop/run as a package ? xx

[Tiggy]

yep they bring the whole lot to your garden set it up & show you how to handle the girls, youngsters soon learn who 'mum' is, everything is associated with food What ever you decide, good luck with hen keeping its really is so much fun

[Willow]

I'd suggest starting with 2 or 3 Omlet chickens then adding to them as you want. It makes it much easier to get going to get the initial birds arrive and set up with the eglu/cube, maybe start with one gingernut ranger and one miss pepperpot. The Miss Pepperpots are very handsome. A mixed flock is nice and if you have children it's easier for them to tell the chickens apart.

 

After that I'd definitely suggest columbines. They are very pretty and lay a lot of blue eggs. hey are slightly less friendly but not at all aggressive. I'd like a chicken that lays white eggs next or a light sussex but also tempted to adopt some ex-bats. I'll probably leave it to next spring as a couple of mine are getting old and I need a WIR before I expand.

[bennett]

Welcome to the forum If you are getting a cube then i would get more than 3, mainly because they hudle together in wiinter for warmth. My Rhode isaland Red is a lovely girl, but i have to say my pekins are the best. They have no problem being picked up, love my dog and are not phased by my 18mth old. So pekins are a definate for your coop as a beginner. I would not recommend as a beginner the dutch bantam or the Japanese Bantam. They are VERY flighty and not easy to catch at all, mine are like road runners, they are also bred more for showing and i can go weeks without eggs! Good luck , looking for chooks is exciting and can become very addictive!

[Isabel]

The world is your oyster ... out of my 5 (2 Pekins, Orpington, Buff Sussex & New Hampshire Red) my Orp is the friendliest, most docile ball of fluff round

[Dizzy-Deb]

Thank you everyone for all your wonderful replies.

 

I so want to get started and order up my Cube & run now.

 

I think will go for the Omlet chickens to start and then take it from there as there will be room for a few more when eventually get a WIR constructed.

 

I have wanted to own chickens for such a long time but hubby has been so against it, but after all this time has come round to the idea even if it does mean some work for him.

 

Again, thank you all for replying to my post. xxx