LittleLau Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I am just about to purchase my first chickens after finally being allowed by hubbie to buy an eglu. I have researched breeds and hybrids online for a long time, but sometimes with conflicting information. I think nothing beats first hand advice from the experts, which is why I'm here. Hoping you lovely lot can advise. I have an urban garden. Chickens will be able to free range when I'm around, but will be confined to their 3m run mostly. I have a 10 year old and an 18 month old, so friendliness is very important. I'd like a reasonable supply of eggs, so very broody chickens maybe not ideal. Ideally be able to purchase easily, not something rare that I have to track down. Not too noisy a breed/hybrid as i have close neighbours. Many many thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Personally (and I know I will be shot down for this) I am not a fan of hybrids, they are more prone to behavioural problems and laying problems in my humble PERSONAL opinion. I know lots of people keep them happily though Hybrids will lay in their first winter and semi reliably for the next one so that is a benefit Pure breeds usually stop laying over winter, sometimes for months but this rest and the fact that they are less prone to laying issues means they are longer lived Pure breeds with a reputation for being good layers are Sussex, New Hampshire Reds, Rhode Island reds, Wyandottes amongst others, these are all heavy breeds they are slightly more prone to being broody than light breeds but are nice docile birds Light breeds are usually good layers - Leghorns, Araucanas, Welsummers Minorcas are some good layers but can be flighty Most breeds are available in bantam size and are well worth considering if space is an issue, the eggs are smaller but just as useful and feed costs are reduced (as is the amount of poop!) Some popular garden pets like Pekins, Silkies, Frizzles can be persistantly broody but are usually very tolerant of being handled As per the above there are breeds that are easier to handle than others but most chickens can be very good with children provided they are handled enough My number one tip would be not to set yourself up to fail, early days can be hampered with stressed birds if the situation is less than ideal. In a three metre Eglu run it would be tempting to have three large fowl but personally I would go with two. If bantams then I would have three. Lack of space is the number 1 cause of problems (again in my personal opinion) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mars Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I am not the most experienced here but I would recommend Rhode Island Reds. this color not this color The darker ones are the heritage breed. the lighter one is either a hybrid or production Rhode Island Reds, they are more aggressive "against hens" than than heritage breed Generally speaking the hybrids lay more for shorter period. so you get many eggs in the first two years then they either stop or lay very little, and you end up with hens aren't laying. It is easier to buy them in one lot. as it can be difficult to add more later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Hi LittleLau - how exciting! Apart from the fact that I don't have children my situation and requirements were very similar to yours. I have a pair of Wyandotte bantams and a pair of Pekins. My personal opinion is that if your chickens are going to spend most / a lot of their time in a 3m run (like mine do when we're at work), hybrids and large fowl are too big. I know others will successfully keep large fowl in such conditions and that amy be ok for them but that's how I feel, and is why I went for bantams. I chose Wyandottes because they are supposed to be reasonable egg layers for pure breeds. Mine are now 2yrs old, this summer Penny lay every other day until about November, and Amy once every 4 days. Both then moulted and no eggs since. The pekins were an accidental purchase! Bernadette started to lay at about 24 weeks and I got an egg every other day for about 6 weeks. Shelley is the same age but hasn't bothered with eggs yet The Wyandottes will eat from my hand but aren't particularly friendly. Using their eggs I use 3 in place of 2 shop bought medium eggs. The pekins are very friendly but their eggs are very small! I love my girls and am pleased with my choices. When I have more space I am considering adding something that will lay more consistently, but only when I have more space. Here are mine - black and white are Wyandottes, others are Pekins... Good luck choosing and enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I breed Wyandottes and find them very good layers. productivity and tendancy to broodiness does vary between colours and sometimes between bloodlines but you should get an egg on average at least every other day in summer and they are a good size for bantam eggs My Wyandottes will start to lay in the next week or so after their winter break and lay through till the start of November Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleLau Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Thank you so much for all your replies. I almost felt like I should go for hybrids because of the consistent eggs (for the first year or so anyway), but you have convinced me to go for what I think really want, bantams. I think in a small garden, they will be best for us. I had looked at Sussex bantams and wyandottes, as they seemed like they laid fairly well and were very friendly, but couldn't see any breeders remotely locally. (I'm in Essex btw). Can anyone recommend any? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I have three hybrids and no children. I personally had a Black Copper Maran who was poorly and had to be pts. She didn't even come into lay but was very friendly. I also have a Light Sussex who is ok, slowly getting better but is curious and friendly. Not fond of being picked up but once picked up will sit and have her back or crop massaged and completely relaxes. A Bluebell who is very friendly but really hates being picked up. I persist with both of these because they need to be picked up for inspections, etc. I also have a Columbine which is, I believe, a Cream Legbar Cross. The Columbine is a lap sitter. Doesn't mind being picked up, extremely friendly, nosey and interactive. But she pecks and teases me - not in spite, but it may hurt a small child. Having said this, from what I have read and heard from speaking to people, it is NOT any specific breed with hybrids - they are all "user friendly" but all have their own characters. However placid any animal, if it doesn't like being picked up, poked or prodded, it will lash out. If your 10 year old is taught to respect the chicken's need for space and quiet times, then most hybrids and many other breeds like Silkies, Pekins and Orpingtons, will all be great. Some birds will always be aloof or just not that nice. That again, is down to individual character. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 To add to the choice: I have a tiny garden and only the standard Go Up run (which is ideal in small gardens) and have three New Hampshire bantams. They get to free range all day during the weekend and every afternoon. They will tolerate being in the run all day, but ofcourse like freeranging far better. They should be good layers (so far they are) and not prone to broodyness (hasn't happend so far either). They are quite friendly and will come up to you any time to see if you have food. Mine don't to the egg song, but sometimes will anounce a new day in a sort of three way chorus... I think you won't find a more urban packed area than mine. I have upstairs neighbours, neighbours on either side and only a 2 meter path between me and neighbours at the back. But so far no problems at all. I would indeed go for bantams. I decided on three so I don't have a lone hen if one of them dies. Just weighed a few of the eggs and they are between 40 and 50 grams. Happy hen hunting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 Where a outs in essex are you littlelau? I could pm you a couple of numbers. You'll find at this time of year there won't be many about. Check out pre loved, but be warned if the place doesn't look tidy and clean, and the cages are overcrowded do not buy. I have made this mistake once as I thought I was doing the right thing, but ended up with a hen with red mite and a terrible disease. Mareks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wez Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 Awww! So exciting so thought I'd add my three pennorth' for what its worth We have 5 Pekins, and although a bit skittish they are overall friendly, inquisitive and always come running when they see you to check for treats and to get under your feet! We started with one that we rescued (long story), added two more a week or so later once hooked on chooks (which happened scarily fast) and then another two about 5 weeks later. They started laying last March (the new ones were just a POL when we got them, the rescued one, Milly, we have no idea how old or her history) but she was the first to produce followed by the others within a couple of weeks. We've had eggs right through till probably October and one of them, Ruby, who didn't moult like the others, has continued to lay at least every other day through Nov, Dec and still at it! Dolly joined in on Sunday with her first offering of the year so overall we're thrilled as fully expected an egg drought from them in winter. Garden wise, they love to dig and we recently moved the run off the grass onto concrete and hardwood chips with free ranging at weekends, afternoons when I get in from work and whenever we can but I don't think you'd regret bantams at all so good luck and keep us posted on your final choices Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleLau Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share Posted January 14, 2015 Thanks Chickabee, that would be great. I'm in South Essex (Grays). I don't mind waiting for the right chickens, I have only just ordered the run additions, and have to sort the area where the eglu will go still anyway. Thank you everyone for all your replies, some great information there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 I know a breeder over that way, have messaged them to see whereabouts exactly they are At this time of year your best choice for bantams is Reading Bantam Show (actually in Newbury) as they have quite a lot of sales pens but its quite a way from you, great day out though and a good place to see lots up close. Alternatively there are smaller clubs over your way that hold small shows, the below link may help - one show is on Saturday! They wont have sales pens but there will be breeders there showing their birds and you can see the breeds up close, people are usually happy to point you in the direction of breeders or answer questions too. If you attend a show do not speak to the judges (in white coats) until all of the judging is complete (when you see them relaxing, usually about lunchtime) and bear in mind that until all birds are in their cages the exhibitors will be distracted getting them ready, once the judging starts people (apart from the judges!) relax a bit and are happier about being approached. People are generally very friendly and helpful at shows, there is no s"Ooops, word censored!"bery, best times to go and ask questions 10am-1:30pm usually. Suffolk and Essex Poultry Club http://e-chickens.com/sepc/forthcoming_shows_&_events.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hils78 Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Ooh you lucky lady! I think for first chickens with kids you can't beat Pekin Bantams. You won't get hundreds of eggs but when I only had 2 PBs I was getting approx 9/10 a week. My girls were really friendly and would sit near my daughter in the garden and come into the house. If you are garden proud they aren't as good at digging up the garden as bigger birds because they have feathery feet ( which you do have to keep an eye on for mud balls but with the right prep is easy to avoid). I'll see if I can dig out a picture of my daughter when she was 6, we were eating spag Bol and someone came to the door. When I got back to the table Eve had a chicken under one arm and was feeding her spaghetti off her fork! Happy memories.... Now I have memories of a 12 year old chasing 2 particularly flighty large fowl round the garden each night....not as idillic. Glad I had the experience of the Pekin Bantams first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Another pekin lover here too Although I loved my 3 original omlet girls almost 6 years ago if I'd have known about pekins I would have got those first. I know they go broody and there are not many eggs but they are the cuddliest bundles of feathers ever and any eggs they do lay are delicious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsunset Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Having had mostly hybrids and in one way I do agree with redwing, they are the best layers. I have some pure breeds too and if I'm honest I have had equal casualties re longlivity to ratio. Mine are all large fowl and the least friendly of my bunch are the Wyandottes and the hybrid white leghorns. The friendliest were the Isa Browns and the Amber hybrids (miss Amber and an Isa called Katag still are) No experience of bantams here. The pure breeds do generally live longer and give fewer health issues earlier. Good luck and have fun choosing your new chooks. You will have endless enjoyment and get very attached to whatever you choose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 I have ex batts for that feel good factor together with superfriendliness, and good egg laying, together with some pure breeds. I have a faverolle, an araucana and two scots dumpies. I love my faverolle to bits. She is the calmest and kindest of all hens. Like all my pure breeds she is almost 6yrs old and still spreads her wings for the others to sleep under at night. My araucana is also nearly 6yrs old and lays the most beautiful blue eggs most days during a short season, typically, March to October. Feisty lady, quite pecky around my sablepoot. Scots Dumpies. Perfect hens. Lay probably alternate days throughout the season. The dumpies are hardy, quiet and gentle. Have also had pekins, lovely little things Ax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 sparkysmum I'm so about your girls. I love my Polands and Frizzles but would also love a Faveroles and a Scotts Dumpy. They are top of my wish list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted January 17, 2015 Share Posted January 17, 2015 Ha ha ha Chortle Chook grass is always greener isn't it? I would LOVE frizzles and Polands but think they would hate our horrible weather! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted January 17, 2015 Share Posted January 17, 2015 I got excited last week when I thought I'd found a breeder of Scots Dumpy's on the Cornwall/Devon border, only to find out they stopped having them 3 yrs ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted January 17, 2015 Share Posted January 17, 2015 Not sure where to buy them tbh, The person I bought them from years ago suddenly stopped trading, he had several hundred hens ( only a few dumpies tho) was well thought of locally. No clue what happened to him or his stock. All a bit mysterious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GillC Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 Fascinating thread. Thanks for starting, LittleLau. I started out with hybrids, then rescue hens, and finally bought bantam wyandottes from a reputable source as I think they are the most beautiful chickens around. However as already mentioned, they are not naturally friendly. Having become addicted to bantams, last year I acquired two bantam silkies and a bantam frizzle. Although classed as a heavy breed, a full sized silkie is about the size of a wyandotte bantam so my little silkie and frizzle bantams are tiny - about the size of a pigeon. I have to admit that I got these privately and didn't really know what I was getting. They are, however, extremely friendly and people centred. The more you handle them, the friendlier they get. I had to bath my white silkie when I got her as she was filthy and she has been obsessed with me ever since. Her black companion, Velvet, was not handled so much in the early days and is conesequently more stand-offish. The little grey frizzle was very friendly to start with, but I went through a patch where I didn't handle her as much and she became more distant. So, to get friendly hens, handle them regularly (and gently, obviously). The silkies are cute and fluffy, but you'd need to get a weather cover for the run from omelet to keep them dry. They are also very good layers, laying all through winter when they're not broody. When hens are broody, I use this as an easy way to get them out and handle them (aka give them a good cuddle and a stroke). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill2b Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 Hi LittleLau When we got our ladies 10 months ago (mind you it seems like they have been around forever now) we chose Briggs Poultry, Pam the owner was a lovely Chicken person we had met previously. On the day we just arrived and she let us into the large runs to choose or rather the chickens chose us. Wardrobe came to us first then Betty and finally Mutha. Ever since that day we have had stupid grins on our faces The girls have a 3x3m run which now is completely grass free they spend most of the time out in the garden and I must say if they were teenagers they would have ASBOs by now, but we don't worry about the odd act of vandalism we just love to see them running to the conservatory door as soon as they see us. they are very affectionate and brilliant for kids and whatever model you end up with you will all love them. Eggs, we only got 2 today as Wardrobe had her first day off since early November but the egg side of it for us is just an added bonus. looking forward to hearing your reports Cat tails, I see your lens adaptor is working well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted January 20, 2015 Share Posted January 20, 2015 Cat tails, I see your lens adaptor is working well Yes it's great! Lot's of fun with cats, chickens and kids at work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I started off with big fat orpies. In hindsight I think I should have started with the bantam ones instead. Friendly they are but they do weigh a ton. If they don't want to be picked up and you are still practicing holding them, they can administer a heavy clout of wing on the nose and it hurts a fair bit. Do not go for Buff Sussex - they are ratbags! Well my one is and I've heard a few more people with the same breed attitude issues! Light Sussex yes. I assume the friendliness is also in the bantam variety. I love pekins - the variety of colours and the way they run with their knickers down their ankles is so funny to see. Fabulous little birds. I only have one left and when she announces, she announces for everybody. She'll even yell with her mouth full of goodies when thrown down to try and keep her quiet - she has to finish her bragging. My marans are flighty. I had a silkie and although she was as daft as they come and a great laugh I will not have another - they are pretty much loners if you have a mixed flock. Although that was the nearest we came to a cat with the furry feathers. When it rained I had to dry her out and she loved the hairdryer and lifted her wings to be done underneath. Spacechick will verify that when called by name "Kitty" she would crouch so I did wonder if that was chicken speak for hanky panky. I'd love a faverolle because they are docile birdies. Brahmas also docile and you can get bantams in that breed. Good luck with them - I currently have a gold laced orpie, wheaten maran (both are just over 1 year old now), cuckoo maran, buff Sussex (our two chicks that are now 6 and you'd think they'd be easily handled but they aren't ) and a pekin who is 7 soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Oh dear Valkyrie you've made me feel all inspired to get some different breeds come Spring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
