Graceh Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Hello. I have a go up with 2 metre run plus a large walk in run extension. I want just 3 hens. I want at least 1-2 to be good layers, but would like them all to have easy going temperaments. Any recommendations? As a new owner- what should I look to buy food/medication/bedding/equipment wise? i have a few books and read a lot online but like asking around too! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyRoo Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 8 minutes ago, Graceh said: Hello. I have a go up with 2 metre run plus a large walk in run extension. I want just 3 hens. I want at least 1-2 to be good layers, but would like them all to have easy going temperaments. Any recommendations? As a new owner- what should I look to buy food/medication/bedding/equipment wise? i have a few books and read a lot online but like asking around too! Thanks Welcome to the forums! If you want to have some good layers, go for hybrids! The best laying hen I've had is a white Leghorn - but, sadly, she is quite skittish (which they tend to be), although the Partridge Leghorns are supposedly easier to tame. After that, it's probably my little brown hens. They're very friendly and get a decent amount of eggs from them. Something like a Rhode Island Red. My Coucou Maran is very friendly, and so is my Bovans Nera. They don't lay as many as the little brown hens, though. The only hen I wouldn't recommend based on my own personal experience is a Bluebelle. My hen has always laid softies and she's never been a great layer either. Hope that helps, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 Get a Cotswold Blacktail (from Cotswold Chickens) they are a really lovely red colour, with soft feathers, a nice nature and good layers. Anything with Araucana in the mix will be a bit batty until they come into lay, but good solid producers of greeny blue eggs. My last choice would be a silver sussex (Daisybelle) very pretty graphite grey bird with silver splashes around the neck, good layer too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 25, 2018 Share Posted November 25, 2018 I agree on the hybrid front. They are readily available, fairly cheap and usually vaccinated. I use Smallholder Layers Pellets and Aubiose as bedding. I wouldn't worry about medication but Vit Boost + and Nutri Drops are useful to have in just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted November 26, 2018 Share Posted November 26, 2018 Purple spray ( iodine I think) is also useful in case you have injuries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 26, 2018 Share Posted November 26, 2018 2 hours ago, Patricia W said: Purple spray ( iodine I think) is also useful in case you have injuries. ...but a nightmare for the vet to assess the wound and which parts are necrotic or healthy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 27, 2018 Share Posted November 27, 2018 There's a clear version available - exactly the same product, just minus the blood-disguising colour 😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm200 Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Will get some as the purple stuff was a nightmare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
