percy049 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Having recently suffered from Morehens disease, we have decided to get 2 more hens from a breeder this time. We'll either get them at the end of february (half term, if the weathers good), or april (easter holidays). I really want a light sussex, and my mum really wants a buff sussex, but it does come down to what breeds they have. Here is a slightly longer list of breeds we're considering, are they good, also, are they flighty? - Sussex - Rhode Island Red - New Hampshire Red - Wyandotte - Welsummer We were also considering an Orpington, but do they often get broody and overweight easily? That is what we're worried most about getting them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 All those are lovely. Orpingtons are big birds and do get broody easily so make sure you can cope with them. But at the end of the day, you'll love whatever you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes55 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 The only one on that list that we have is the Welsummer. She is a beautiful girl but is quite hard to get near and shows no interest in being stroked or having any interaction with us. They apparently lay very nice dark brown eggs but we haven't had any yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixie chick Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 My Welsummer (Nelly) is top chook and quite a bully - especially to my lovely little Vorwerk for some reason.... My Barnevelder is my star chicken at the moment because she has laid me one egg a day since early December despite all that horrendous weather - and they are make the best poached eggs I have ever made! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Of the chooks on your list the welsummer is the least likely to go broody followed by the NHR and RIR then the Sussex and then the wyandotte who is most likely (but Wyandottes are the best ) A large fowl Orpington isn't suitable for an Eglu but a bantam one is similar in size to a hybrid so not a bad alternative but again.... Broody No breed if chicken is really prone to being overweight they don't tend to overeat even if given ad lib chook food. what will make them overweight are too many treats and you control those Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iggyigster Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 our barnavelder is quiet and quite timid, our cream legbar (blue eggs) is friendly and quiet, our Vorwerk is very friendly, lively and intelligent not suited for a confined run but perfectly happy around the garden. We fretted for months researching every breed in detail but there comes a point were you just need to get on with it. A none broody, not too delicate, and happy round the garden type, of which there are many, will do just fine and then learn from experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
