kharvey Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Hello! I have been quite literally scouring the web to find the birds I would like. If i lined in the North of England, it seems it would be more easy, but here in Buckinghamshire I am really struggling. I am trying to find bantams (orpington, araucana, maran, one of the true bantams, poland). Not one of each, but just something of a blend of these, a nice little trio or quartet. I dont know if it is the time of year (possibly also I just didnt know how few people were producing pure breeds) but everywhere I enquire they have either stopped breeding chickens, the websites are no longer live, or wont have anything until september. An then it is difficult to find more than polish and silkies being bred by the same person. So I would need to introduce them which would be tough on the birds. I feel like its an insolvable puzzle, I really want a nice mixed flock and for everyone to be a little bit different! Am i going to have to get over it if i want chickens now?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 It's similar down here. I started with 2 Wyandotte bantams and 2 pekins, all from the one breeder, that's what I've had for 2 years now. I also wanted what you want, and actually still do. I want to add a maran bantam an an araucana bantam, and although I have found breeders here, no one does both. My plan is to get one of each at the same time, introduce them to each other, then a few weeks later introduce the new pair to my established flock. All of this does rely on the two breeders having what I want at the same time, which is not a given. The alternative (other than possibly auction if you're brave) is to buy hatching eggs and grow your own (and I am tempted to use one of my pekins as a broody to do this), but obviously then you'll need a plan for the cockerels. If you can't find a breeder who has a mixture you may have to alter your plans a little, or just your timescale. Good luck and keep us posted. Oh, also I just thought, it's probably worth remembering that different breeders may have different vaccination regimes, so bear that in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 My eclectic mix has taken a long time to put together. Sometimes people don't even advertise, so you hear by word of mouth. There's still some I'd like, but I can't fit any more in. I would also like some exbats. Keep an eye on pre loved. Also try google. Please don't do what I once did and buy a hen because the conditions looked bad . Also beware when buying eggs if you're hatching. My little frizzle successfully hatched 5 chicks for me. None of them survived beyond about 6 months. I think it was probably in breeding, so ask lots of questions. As you can see from my signature, it is possible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Oh by the way. Some of mine are vaccinated, some not. It hasn't caused me any problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 Oh by the way. Some of mine are vaccinated, some not. It hasn't caused me any problems Thanks for that - it's useful to know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kharvey Posted May 22, 2016 Author Share Posted May 22, 2016 I have gone with all bantam orps, mixed colours. I am pretty much in love with them, they aren't too sure about me! So, they are clucking around the cube quite happily. How long before I can let them out to explore in the omlet fenced area? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 If they're in a fenced area just a couple of days. We'd all love to see some pictures, they sound lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kharvey Posted May 22, 2016 Author Share Posted May 22, 2016 they have settled so quickly! put themselves to bed tonight too!! they are so amazing to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 They are beautiful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 Lovely girls Mixed colours are nearly as good as a mixed flock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kharvey Posted May 23, 2016 Author Share Posted May 23, 2016 thanks guys I am so thrilled with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
