greyhoundgirl Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 I'm pretty sure this has been asked before but I would like to get a couple of hens to replace Margot in the spring and don't know what to go for. I currently have my original and 2 that came with the cube. I really love the shape of the black girls, all round and fluffy. I have 2 children who would like to be able to pick the girls up so that's also a consideration. I've looked at Orpington's and like the shape but don't know about them in a fenced off area of the garden (althoght it's a good size) which is what my girls have. Any ideas oh wise ones???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Orpingtons are very laid back so can usually fit in anywhere. They might struggle with the cube ladder being rather buxom madams, but I'm sure someone else will know about that. They do have a tendency to go broody at the drop of a hat - but they are very cuddly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 orpington bantams are a better bet, smaller, easier to pick up and a reasonable size match for the hybrids They dont lay that many eggs though! From a buxom shape point of view Wyandottes are a good bet as are Marans, Sussex and Rhode Island Reds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Sunday R is a lavender Orp (big size) and she's fab. She makes me laugh when she runs, it's a bit Forrest Gump like. I've never seen anything eat so much with such enthusiasm. She follows me round in case of titbits and likes to loiter round the back door to mug me. She sounds like a goose. She hasn't read the page on egg laying. I can pick her up as she's a bit slower than the rest. After today's bum wash she has the fluffiest backside you've ever seen. She manages the ladder no problems and has today discovered that there's a perch halfway up the run. Doesn't fly ever. Hopefully your sold on one. She's great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 She hasn't read the page on egg laying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 You don't need to worry about the fenced in area - orps are very good at being contained. The only thing I'd say is that they are usually docile and can be bullied. If you know any of your current girls are a bit feisty I'd probably steer clear, or at least get a LF one. I have a bantam orp who is chased all over the place by some of the LF orps and put in her place by a bantam poland even though she is a brave little soul . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella14 Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 I have a buff orpington with two hybrids and a barnavelder. They are all lovely birds. I'd certainly agree that an orpington is a great choice, docile, happy and sociable. Mine is also quietly confident, not the type to be bullied or to bully others. From what I have learned, its best to try not to introduce just one hen to a group, better to get two or more new ones together. Maybe get two orpingtons. I know I'd be happy to have another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 I have a mini Orp and she is lovely, lays 40g eggs when she feels like it. less of a tendancy to go broody than our Wyandotte. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
