memphisto Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 I don't even know why I'm even considering this.....I KNOW it is a stupid idea I have fancied, for a while, a silver Appenzeller.......it just so happens the place I buy my girls from have 2 for sale right now....... Please tell me this is a very VERY bad idea, PLEASE!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickichicky Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 wow - just googled them - they look amazing! Crikey I'd grab them while they are there, especially as it's something you've wanted for a while - so not just an impulse buy. ....not helping dissuade you though eh .... I take it they have no major 'special needs?' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickichicky Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Now I definately am jealous! Just read the write up on the breed (on omlet breed guide). They are going on my want list for next year for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Beautiful birds but can be extremely flighty. In that respect they will probably be the opposite of your new orpy bantams, just something to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 I agree they can be flighty but are reasonable layers laying a nice smallish white egg If you think the Appenzellers will complete your flock then yes do get them as it would make sense to only deal with one lot of introductions now but bear in mind that they are unlikely to have been kept with the Orpingtons at the breeders If you dont think they will complete your flock and that in the near future you will be hankering after more then I'd have a think about what you want and how many to complete your flock, get your set up right then buy them in one go as this will cut down the chances of bringing in bugs and diseases and means less introductions We have all seen people on here who expand their flock fast and constantly then run in to problems, I've done it in the past myself and it can get overwhelming especially in the winter and you can tip the balance between enjoying your chickens and seeing them as hard work I know you arent there yet but just something to think about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memphisto Posted November 15, 2011 Author Share Posted November 15, 2011 I don't know what to do! They're ready to go on Saturday and have been kept in the pen next door to the Orpingtons and can see each other through the wire My intention as been to completely the flock by Jan, saying that I have two buff Sussex reserved for June 2012, as I want to buy 2 at the start of Jan. My garden is huge and we have 8ft fences at all areas because I know they are flighty..... Going to have a think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memphisto Posted November 15, 2011 Author Share Posted November 15, 2011 Redwing- I saw a reply you made to a thread below saying what we want isn't always right for the birds, that's struck a cord with me, thank you for that, going to go and put my sensible hat on for the afternoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharon1 Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Hi I have a silver appenzeller, I did start off with three but two had to go back as they were boys. My little girl Lola is in between the size of a bantam and a standard chook, she mingles well with my bantam wyandotte and the three amigos, (weaten marans). A very productive middle sized white egg layer, did not fail to lay all through spring, summer and autumn, they don't go broody and are very hardy when it comes to bad weather. They are not prone to diseases like some chooks and even though they can be flighty I don't think you will have any problem as your garden seems to be large enough for them. They also don't need a lot of food as they are excellent foragers and don't pig out like my 3 amigos and wyandotte. My Lola isn't too fond on being held but is very inquisitive if you have something in your hand that may be of interest to her and beware of your cup o teas/coffee, she likes to have a dip with her beak. I wouldn't do without my App and if and when I obtain any more chooks, the Apps are definitely on the top of my list. Hope that helps you to make a decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloss-Hen Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 wow there gorgeous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Redwing, that is superb advice to anyone with Morehens disease and really ought to be made a sticky somewhere, especially the bit about 'it can get overwhelming especially in the winter and you can tip the balance between enjoying your chickens and seeing them as hard work' I love all my chooks but know that I'm now at the limit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeckyBeak Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Hi, I had a Silver Appenzeller called Fifi and loved her so much, I bought a Gold one as well called Lulu. Their colours are stunning, but it takes a while before they will eat out of your hands and they are not keen about being handled. They were however happy in a mixed flock. Fifi had never laid and it turned out that she had an impacted oviduct and I lost her to that, but I hope to replace her when I can find someone near to me that breeds these beautiful birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memphisto Posted November 17, 2011 Author Share Posted November 17, 2011 Well.....I did get one today, she is lovely. Only one because literally someone had bought the other 3 just before I rang. They weren't supposed to go til Saturday but there you go. She had apparently been in with my Orpingtons and when I collected the chocolate girls on Sunday, she had, along with the other, had been put in the pen next door, because they had people collecting the girls who were in the original pen (hence why I saw her in the next door pen). The breeder said pop her in with the others when it is dark, she spent an hour with us inside in a huge box we found and she hada great old chat with us! Max named her Edie, not sure why but she seems to suit it, though I wanted to call her Lily! Popped her in the coop, and she hopped on the perch, the others came to see her, no fussing, just checked and the two buffs are cuddled up with Lottie, and the chocolates and Edie are sat in a row on the perch! We've set a limit of 15, we have 12 currently and NO plans to get any more at the moment, unless a chicken of fate comes along! Will take pictures tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Excellent news memphisto . Isn't it brilliant when they all get along - just like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 We've set a limit of 15, we have 12 currently and NO plans to get any more at the moment, unless a chicken of fate comes along! Don't believe you! (Even if a chicken of fate does come along ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
