squidsin Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Two of my pekins finally snapped out of broodiness (after being broody ALL summer) about 2/3 weeks ago - when will the little darlings start laying again? One is looking quite manky (for some reason some of her neck feathers are missing although I think they're both moulting judging from the state of the garden). They've all been wormed and deloused and are eating for England. I think next year I might just get a clutch of eggs for one or both of them to sit on - what are the ones that are really easy to sex? How soon do cockerels start crowing as I'd have to re-home them before that happened? Are chickens easy to sell? I wouldn't be looking to make a profit, just find nice homes for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 If you put them in a broody cage to break broodiness, then they usually start to lay about a week later. I wouldn't bank on them laying again at this time of the year though, especially as they are pure breeds. Please look into all aspects of hatching before you consider it, make sure that you have separate housing for the hen and eggs/chicks, and homes for all the males. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 I wouldn't do it on a whim. I'll research thoroughly. It's just something I am considering atm. Damn, was hoping for a few more eggs before the end of the year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 If you're afters eggs, then you're barking up the wrong tree Pekins are generally terrible layers but good broodies; I'd not rely on them for a supply of eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 Ha ha - I know that now! Actually, one of mine, Nugget, is brilliant and produced an egg nearly every day from coming into lay until she had an operation to remove the absyss on her cheek a week ago. I don't blame her for being off the lay right now! Pros and cons though - my little pekins look adorable and are friendly and quiet and don't do massive poos so are perfect for my tiny garden and toddler. The pay off seems to be that they require a lot more maintenance than I expected, and they're a bit erratic on the egg front - and of course the broodiness thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 You will find plenty of other broodies with those attributes, but better at laying. I have two pekins myself, but keep them fro brooding and the amusement they provide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 Which other bantam breeds would suit my purposes? I'm not planning on expanding now (well I am, but my human family rather than my animal one!) Just for future reference? I have a soft spot for Light Sussexs and would like one of those at some point. And a Bluebelle! For entertainment purposes, pekins are tops. Aw I feel disloyal to mine discussing other breeds, ha ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Light sussex comes in a mini version, but they are quite assertive birds even at that size. If you like that colourway and the markings, then see if you can find any white columbian wyandottes - they look the same, but are gentler. Wyandottes generally are gentle and biddable birds, araucana are scatty , not mean but also not really cuddly. Both sorts are decent layers and less inclined to go broody. I have a lovely marans who is friendly and lays lovely dark eggs, and an Ancona mini who is very decorative and lays pretty white eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 Marans are gorgeous, I'd love one of those. Definitely one day, when we leave the London rat race and move back to my West Country homelands! I don't regret getting my pekins though - even though with the amount they've cost me so far in vet's bills, set up costs and general lack of productiveness, each egg they lay costs about as much as a pure gold one would... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 My marans bantam is a good layer too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
