2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[sparkysmum]

Between old age ( hens ) and time of year we have no laying hens atm However the lovely farmer who leases the field adjoining our garden has said we can put some hens in his field Fantastic, but which breed will be best suited to this location. I am thinking of 2 or 3 only and must be reliable egg layers and suited to a fairly harsh winter climate. The field is windy & west facing.

 

My heart says more ex batts but their laying life is short and the "field hens" will be for eggs. A bit pragmatic I know. I was also thinking about hybrids such as black rocks or RIR's

 

They will be kept in a large enclosure & will be able to free range in the field whenever we like.

 

We are soooooooooo lucky to have this amazing opportunity & I have to get it right first time. So reccommendations for good egg laying hybrids which can cope/ thrive in harsh Scottish climates.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I've no idea which would be best but how exciting . Lucky hens .

[sparkysmum]

Awwwww thanks Vicki Simon just spoke with the sheep farmer today so I've spent the evening doing almost nothing but planning my "field hens" I've seen references to White Sussex x RIR hybrids I wonder if anyone has them It is exciting Alli x

[goodinparts]

I have a Black Star ( a variation on the black rock hybrid) and she's a fantastic layer (missed 2 days since she started laying) and the friendliest of my hybrids as well...Highly recommended!

[JanTheDiver]

I have two RIR which lay their socks off, one regularly lays 76g eggs and hardly takes a day off. I also have a Black Rock, she is a lovely hen and very friendly, but she is a bit of a feather pecker and I have been told this is a trait in the breed so I wouldn't have one again.

 

I also have a Dark Sussex who is a fantastic layer but she did go broody twice on me in the Summer, but I wouldn't hold that against her

 

Hope this helps

 

Jan