4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[heather_hedgehog]

Hi everyone!

 

I am looking to increase my 'flock' because as of today, I sadly only have one girl left

 

It was the same situation with Marjory my Goldline hen last September when her Speckled Maran friend Florence passed away. Thinking she was quite friendly, I introduced 2 Polish and 1 Faverolles hen and although Marjory was initially reluctant to share, they eventually became friends!

 

Now Marjory is all alone again, and I am thinking about options of breeds to go with her. She is 3 yrs old and no longer laying so it would be nice to get some eggs again! She has today been diagnosed with a heart condition by the vet (not the best of days), but is a strong old girl!

 

What I am after is robust, gentle, friendly birds foremost and it would be nice to get some eggs too!

 

I was looking at Pekins and bantam Orpingtons (but am worried I will spend all my time stopping them from being broody). Other options are Sussex, Skyline, Welsummer or to go for Hybrid girls as I don't seem to have much luck with pure breeds!

 

Any advice on breeds and suggestions of combinations gratefully received, they will be living in my Eglu Go in a 8ft x 9ft covered WIR with occasional free ranging. (Although I am tempted to upgrade to a Cube!)

 

Thank you in advance for your help! There are so many beautiful hens out there and I am indecisive at the best of times...

[The Dogmother]

If you are after hardy, egg layers, then I'd get some hybrids.

 

Might be worth looking into why so many hens are dying off...

[heather_hedgehog]

Yes, I think hybrids may be the way to go too!

 

I have one hen left because I had to rehome the 2 Polish hens (one turned out to be a cockerel the other was bullied).

 

So although I have had bad luck, only 2 of my 5 have died in 3 years. One had foul pox, the other the infection today so I do know why I sadly lost them and the vet wasn't worried. It doesn't fill me with confidence though

[The Dogmother]

that's fine, I didn't know the circumstances.

[mullethunter]

I reckon probably hybrids too. Try to get them young and they're more likely to become friendlier

[heather_hedgehog]

No worries Dogmother

Mullethunter, definitely getting hybrids now - they are still pretty birds and have such character!