UkButton Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Hi, I just recently bought an Eglu. I am looking for some chicks...preferably Buff Orpingtons or a couple of Polands. I would like to speak to any breeders in or around the Banbury area. P.S. Top web site by the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 HI, welcome to the forum and happy new eglu. sorry I dont know any breeders, but I wanted to say welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Hi and welcome to the forum. Have you looked at this area of the forum yet? http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4658 and http://wiki.omlet.co.uk/index.php/Chicken_Breeder_Directory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Another person out that way its must be chicken city over there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UkButton Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 I have tried the breeders directory but unfortunatley there is only one local breeder but they don't have Buffs or polands. Whilst pick the eglu up one of the guys mentioned a local breeder called Becky's hens (?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 can recommend a breeder in Oxfordshire: Pearl Bowers lives in Weston on the Green just to the east of Oxford and her number is 01869 350382. She is a hobbyist & retired rather than a commercial breeder, so you should always call before going over there. She has hens and cocks from buff orpingtons down (including guinea fowl, golden pheasants and peacocks), but doesn't have a large stock. Pearl also has hatching eggs and the most extensive knowledge about chooks that I have ever come across. _________________ ClareT knows her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UkButton Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 Supurb! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 The telephone number of Becky's Hens, Banbury is 01295 711919. I don't know anything about them. You are after unusual (i.e. not hybrid) breeds and may have to go further afield. Wernlas in Shropshire is the best place, and they will courier chickens to you if you can't get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UkButton Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 Once again supurb!... Out of curiosity will a standard eglu accomodate 2 Buffs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah 2 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 I wanted to get buff orpingtons but I think you're not supposed to keep them in an eglu. As they are very heavy birds. I would check with omlet. My comprimise was going to be the bantam version. But at the moment I've been offered a cockerel which I don't think my neighbours will appreciate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Welcome aboard UK Button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 I wanted to get buff orpingtons but I think you're not supposed to keep them in an eglu. As they are very heavy birds. I love buff orpingtons but would definately not be able to keep any in a Mark1 eglu (the door was much smaller on the original Mark1) and I suspect they might struggle with a Mark11 also. However, I have been wondering if I would be able to get a Buff if I got a cube? Does anyone know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 I think you would be all right with two Buff Orpingtons in the more modern (Mark 2) eglu. Four would be too many; it only fits four hybrid hens, which are bred to be very tiny compared with the pure breeds. Much of the hugeness of Buff Orpingtons comes from the feathers, which will flatten if necessary as the hens pass through the door. My huge Cochin never had any trouble going to bed in the Eglu. The Omlet run and cube are a bit low overhead for large birds, but Buff Orpingtons are short in the leg and this will help. I would consider getting an extension to the run if the hens don't get out much. They are such gorgeous hens: anyone who doesn't know what they are like should look at the Orpington Club Photo Gallery. Red: You could fit eight Buff Orpingtons in a cube: it is huge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UkButton Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Great thanks. I think mine is a mk2 as I only bought it yesterday. I have contacted Wernlas who seem very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 25, 2007 Share Posted June 25, 2007 Orps are lovely UKbutton, but be prepared not to have too many eggs as they are great broodies but poor layers. Pearl Bowers has mostly retired now, and has downsized quite a lot. There are some Banbury based breeders in the ads in the back of Practical Poultry magazine, but you'd need to go further afield for specialist breeds as not many people keep orpingtons. The famous poultry author, Katie Thear keeps beautiful orpingtons. I'll keep my ears peeled for you though. I'd love a bantam orp to go with my other girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah 2 Posted June 25, 2007 Share Posted June 25, 2007 There's a farm in Hamble Hampshire called 'Manor Farm' that deal in pure breeds. It might be too far. I don't think they do Orpingtons But they might do Polands. They have different chicks all the time ready to hatch. So it depends what comes out. 01489772818 ask to speak to David or Debbie they'll be able to help you. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
