Liz_1010 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 So my partner has FINALLY agreed to let me get some chickens for the garden, Iv done loads of research but can decide on what breeds ect, I have 2 small children so we have fenced off part of the garden for the chooks. Advice/experiences as to the best breed? I'm thinking of a silkie, however they aren't great layers apparently Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Try some gingernuts/Miss pepperpot types as sold by omlet or similar ones are sold by other poultry retailers. We started with these nearly 5 years ago and they have been fabulous, great egg layers, fab characters and great with children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 I'd get three hens (they are best in a flock) and would start with some hybrids as are the easiest birds to start with. Silkies are amazing (I have 6 of them) but wouldn't say they are an easy ride They are very prone to broodiness which if you aren't hatching is a real pain!! There are many friendly hybrids that are great with children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 6, 2014 Share Posted May 6, 2014 Welcome . Congratulations on wearing your OH down . I agree, hybrids are good when you're starting out. Different breeds that lay different coloured eggs are good (and fun for kiddies!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg_x Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Welcome I'm a newbie to hen keeping as well & just about to embark on the journey!! We've been toying over which breeds to go for and at the moment am back to thinking Hybrids. Although Bantams are smaller and less destructive to the garden (so I'm told!) I'm not sure as a first timer I would want to be dealing with the frequency they go broody!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Not all bantams go broody very easily. I just got my ever first chickens last week. After some research I decided on New Hampshire bantams. They are far less likely to go broody then other bantams and eat far less then a normal sized chicken. But according to the information, they are good layers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg_x Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Not all bantams go broody very easily. I just got my ever first chickens last week. After some research I decided on New Hampshire bantams. They are far less likely to go broody then other bantams and eat far less then a normal sized chicken. But according to the information, they are good layers. Yes I think that was the only bantam breed that I can recall said laid well - just can't find a supplier locally to be able to get them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Have you tried pre loved? Just type in the breed and it will come up with the nearest seller to you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Where I live in the Netherlands it is a very popular breed and I was on a waiting list for a few weeks. But here they are not very hard to come by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg_x Posted May 7, 2014 Share Posted May 7, 2014 Have you tried pre loved? Just type in the breed and it will come up with the nearest seller to you Yeah I've been keeping an eye out, so far the closest is 150 miles away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
