sari Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 A child in my class is a smallish breeder ( well not him, he's 6!, but his parents ) and I'm going to have 3 from his mixed flock of POL's. I believe there are Legbars, various Leghorns, Sussexs , Orpingtons. Any advice on this, as I'm a nervous newbie......and am off to choose them this weekend, I think! Ta from Annie Anxiety x x x Sari x x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 How exciting. Legbars lay blue eggs, Sussex are usually a very reliable breed for eggs, Orpingtons are bigger hens than the others. Orpingtons may also prefer a lower perch or even sleep on the floor of a coop whereas the others can handle a higher perch. If I were you I'd go and just see what takes your fancy. Just check they have clean eyes, are alert, have clean bottoms etc. 3 is a good number to start out with but be prepared to come away with more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted September 10, 2010 Author Share Posted September 10, 2010 Don't. My beloved old man is already warning me " this is it you know....." I can't help it, always wanted chooks, and my youngest wants a goat...we really don't have room for a goat......a smallholding beckons! thanks for teh advice..maybe I'll give the bigger bird a miss.....the chickens are all so pretty.....the mottled leghorns are beauts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Sussexes are lovely hens, I have a Buff and a Silver. They lay well too. Orps are my favourite and are lovely docile hens. Take a look and see what you fancy. I agree that 3 is a good number to start with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joza2210 Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Orpingtons are lovely birds - can be made very tame and are great for cuddling and legbars , sussex and leghorns are all very good for laying eggs and can also be tamed ... But not a fluffy ad the orpingtons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 Orps and Sussex are large birds what you choose and how many you choose should be guided by the size of the coop and run you have at home They are all nice birds, the legbars and leghorns are a little flightier than the heavy breeds though For egg laying the Leghorn and Sussex are the more productive, the legbars not far behind and the orps are the least productive as a rule Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 I have a lavender Orpington, Sunday Roast, and she's a doll. Always first to the door of the run for treats and very easy to pick up and is friendly. Never seen anything eat so much with such gusto, unbelievable to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted September 10, 2010 Author Share Posted September 10, 2010 I've got an Eglu mk2, so I'm assuming 3 hens....I larger, and 2 smaller? or can I fit 3 bigger birds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 I had 2 medium and 3 large breeds in a mark 2 eglu - their choice, I have 2 eglus It is the run size that determines the numbers. If you can't let them free range for most of the day, then I would only recommend 2 with the standard run. 3 with a converter to the run, 4 with converter plus extension etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 I have 4 in my classic with run extension. The App-Zell isn't that big neither is the App-Zell x silkie the Araucana is a bit bigger and the Orpington is still growing. (They're upgrading to the cube in October) Said I wouldn't get carried away with this chicken lark, that was only 4 weeks ago. Got my eyes on a Barnevelder, Bielefelder, Croad Langshan, Cream Crested Legbar and something white, when I get some more babies. So much choice. You'll love it, their great timewasters. Still excited while waiting for first egg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted September 10, 2010 Author Share Posted September 10, 2010 The run we have, has 3 sections, so I think that's the standard plus a converter?? 3M?? bought 2nd hand so not entirely sure. I intend to have them in the run whilst working, but in Primary School, so home by 3.50 at the latest, so they'll be free ranging til bed time. I'll start with the 3, I think....and then when I win the lottery, get a cube......my Department at work is about to lose 40% of its budget, so won't be buying one any time soon!! Thanks for all the advice,,,al advice is gratefully received, believe me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted September 11, 2010 Author Share Posted September 11, 2010 Have finally decided, and am picking them up tonight. A Legbar, Leghorn, and a Sussex.......can't wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Good for you, I bet the time will drag so slowly till you get them. I still keep staring out the window at them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted September 11, 2010 Author Share Posted September 11, 2010 Goo gracious its true! I went for three, and cam e away with 4.....a beautiful exchequer leghorn, a pair of sussex rhodie hybrids, and a little legbar, who is being a bit shy, and hiding in the pod...has bben a bit bullied at the breeders, so whether or not the others will do this to her here? but ssssoooooo excited!! they are scratching in the run, eating teh grass, greens etc.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 11, 2010 Share Posted September 11, 2010 Brilliant. Slippery slope here you come. I think in chicken maths terms 3 means 4 anyway. Pictures please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sari Posted September 11, 2010 Author Share Posted September 11, 2010 will do tomorrow1! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joza2210 Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 Congratulations Pictures Please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
