Chicken bald back

[Sandychick]

I have only kept hybrids before, but I'm thinking I might like to go for 2 or 3 pure breeds next time. I don't know much about them though, so I'm looking for some advise / suggestion on breeds that would be suitable.

 

The first question is, are there any potential problems to consider before mixing my 2 hybrids with pure breeds? Is there anything different I need to know about generally looking after them? I also need to consider the space that I have for them, as they can only free range when I am in the garden with them. They have a 9' x 6' WIR + access to an omlet run (with extension) attached to the side of this. They will all live in an eglu classic, so I imagine giant breeds wouldn't do too well in there!

 

I'm not too worried about egg production - I'm always swamped in eggs so it would probably be a good thing to have a few less anyway.

 

In reality, do they live longer / have less problems than hybrids? I've had a rubbish run of luck with hens recently, and I would very much like the idea of some long living girls

[coco]

I have a couple of hybrid girls that live with my purebreeds, they are all quite happy together. How about ones that lay different coloured eggs. I had a Welsummer that laid a dark brown egg and have araucanas that lay a blue and an olive green egg. Purebreeds generally lay for longer and you have a lot more choice.

So sorry about Milly.