New to Forum

[Tanglechuck]

New to here with my sights set on 3 bantams. Pekin/ Wyandotte/ Araucana combo possibly. All about 10 weeks old.
Two things. Any reason to have / not go have a cockerel ? How long until we may see an egg.
Any help appreciated.

 

[foxy]

Hi and welcome to the forum Tanglechuck! 99 99

I hope I haven't confused you by creating your own thread!

 

[chrismahon]

Hi Tanglechuck and welcome to the forum. Pure breeds will give you eggs at around 26 weeks. The size and quantity will depend on the breed and strain so this is an important question to ask. We have Leghorn bantams which lay 200+ a year at between 46 and 50 grammes. We had a 12lb black Orpington who laid 100 a year around 50 grammes, so as you can see there could be a big variation. Not much point in having a cockerel if you are not breeding as they take up space and can tread the hens excessively. They do however give you the opportunity to study the interaction of a natural flock and the full vocabulary of chickens. Cockerels can be noisy but are the most colourful.

 

[Tanglechuck]

Thanks both. Creating my. Thread provided comprehensive response. More up think on and a good few weeks until the eggs may appear.
I am sure there will be more 'shout outs' for pointers ! Cheers.

 

[alice_u]

Hello there - I am new too. Have one Welsummer cockerel, one Welsummer hen (his sister), one older Rhode Island red and two light sussex. They are all 'pet' hens and so I let them be broody when they want, lay when they want and have a good life. I LOVE having my hens ... the only downside I have discovered is that someone must be found to look after them when I am away and as I live a fair way form the next house that can be a challenge at times!!

 

[chrismahon]

Good point Alice. Lucky you could find someone to look after them. We didn't holiday for four years because we had too many chickens to entrust someone with. In the end we took them all (28) on holiday with us permanently. They are all pets to some extent -one lives in the house.