Feeder doors keep closing when I walk away

[Sageandonion]

Apologies if this has been asked elsewhere but just wondering if certain purebreeds are healthier and more robust than others? I think I've read somewhere that some hens are more prone to certain diseases than others but can't remember where?

[migsy]

I think you are right. I understand that Cream Legbars and Silkies are prone to Mareks. Apart from that, I don't know. Black Rocks (hybrids) are supposed to be very hardy.

[Henhathnofury]

Sussex are a pretty hardy bunch. My two (speckled and light) are very very healthy...

[Redwing]

Mareks prone breeds are probably the biggest concern

 

Beyond that - a few considerations:

 

chooks with feathery feet need to be kept out of the mud - its doesnt make them less hardy but it does make them a little gloomy and unkempt looking

 

chooks with crests cant usually cope with wet and windy weather, their crests also need to be checked for lice and mites every few days

 

Very small and light chooks such as Sebrights and Serama need more winter shelter as do Silkies and frizzle feathered breeds

[Sageandonion]

Many thanks for your replies - we're trying to narrow down our wishlist at the moment though unless we wait until Spring we probably won't have much choice anyway. Not sure we can wait that long...

[Saronne]

My two Araucanas seem a robust pair and appear not to mind this recent spate of very cold weather.

 

 

Saronne x

[Jools]

The bog-standard pure breeds are pretty bullet-proof. I rate RIR, Sussex & English Cuckoo Marans, but I'm sure they're are plenty of others too.

[Stella14]

I have a buff Orpington and a Barnavelder (and two hybrids). They are said to be very hardy and seem so. I'm not sure if some of the more recent Orpington varieties are quite as robust as the older 'versions' (black and buff), but I believe they are all pretty tough.

[Redwing]

My fave breed is the Wyandotte and my lot are pretty healthy

[Stella14]

My fave breed is the Wyandotte and my lot are pretty healthy

I have them on my 'in the future' list. After I saw those great photos of yours, I researched them a little and they are stunning birds, in the gold and the silver