Sageandonion Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Sussex are a pretty hardy bunch. My two (speckled and light) are very very healthy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sageandonion Posted December 12, 2010 Author Share Posted December 12, 2010 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 My two Araucanas seem a robust pair and appear not to mind this recent spate of very cold weather. Saronne x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella14 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 My fave breed is the Wyandotte and my lot are pretty healthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella14 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
