Which birds ?

Bugsy

Bugsy

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Well, my small coop and run is finished so it's time to think about getting the hens.

No cockerels just hens and egg production is not a major factor but some would be nice, of course.

We fancy some bantams and have room for 3 or possibly 4. They will free-range in our huge garden when the weather is suitable.

I have been offered some Pekins which are lovely but I thought I'd ask for recommendations from you guys before I finally take the plunge.

Some advice on best age etc would also be welcome.

Thanks

Gary.
 
If you have been offered the Pekins then take them Gary. Ideal age for them would be 18-22 weeks, that way they can settle in just before they start to lay and you will get the maximum time with them as you are getting them younger but really with Pekins you could go up to 2 years old without worrying too much, average lifespan for them is 6-7 years.
 
Agree with all this. They are a very good starter bird, and really quite small so you may have room for 4. The only downside is that they go broody a lot, which is a nuisance if you aren't hatching, and the eggs are small. But they are pretty, and can be very friendly, are hardy and a good all rounder I'd say.
 
Thanks guys, I just agreed the deal.

They are just about POL so perfect for us.

The owner has kindly agreed to deliver them as she is driving very close to us next week. :-)17

I'm getting excited now :-)07
 
Do you know the lady who is selling them to you, and have you ever seen where they've been kept?
I hope all is going to be well, but when you're starting out, such a lot depends on getting really healthy birds that have come from a breeder with high standards of care, and the best way to ensure this is to have a good look at the breeder's setup, and see all the birds in their natural surroundings, preferably in the company if someone more experienced in evaluating them for health. Are conditions clean? Have the birds had enough space? Are any of them inactive or not lively and bright eyed? Is there any choice about what you are offered? Will the breeder catch each one so you can examine it before you buy? Even if it means quite a long journey - they're going to live with you for several years, so getting it right from the start is important, and mistakes cost money as well as heartache. You probably wouldn't buy a dog or any other animal without visiting the home first, would you?
I hope I'm just being pessimistic but we do get some stories on here from people who were unlucky in their first choice of chickens.
 
Hi Marigold

This lady comes highly recommended.

I have several photos and it certainly looks like a good setup but it is, as you say taking a chance to buy unseen.

Time will tell.

A couple of photos from the owner.


 
You are basically after them as pets as I understand it in which case you will more likely than not be fine, from the photos they look like nice enough little birds. When you take delivery of them ask if they have been wormed, if they haven't been then do them yourself with flubenvet, provide them with a nice dry soil area to dustbathe in and these measures will minimise any fallout should they say have been kept in overcrowded conditions which as you have a recommendation and looking at the photos they probably haven't. Do post some photos of them when you get them, I like seeing other peoples chickens :) .
 
I think the photos were taken in summer, so not of the birds you're being offered as they would have been chicks then. They look as if they've come from a good place, used to being outdoors and with plenty of room to free range. Sounds and looks reassuring, especially if you have a personal recommendation from someone you know. It's just that there are so many people breeding chickens and, I'm afraid, cutting corners on the basics during this all-important months when young birds are growing, in order to maximise profit or just out of ignorance. But it seems unlikely that will be the case with these.
 
What absolute little darlings.
All of them look good, last year I hatched a silver partridge who is one of the tamest girls ever, despite the fact that she was bullied by the others.
She just made for any passing member of the family for a cuddle and to get away from the evil sisters, her plumage is amazingly complex when you really look at it, not just a little grey hen when you look at her closely.
They look strong little girls, prepare yourself for some laughs. Will they speak French?
 
:lol:

They look lovely, there is nothing nicer than seeing birds on the range (although this also comes with a health warning - you must be very careful of foxes, they hunt even in the day, are very cunning - its not just a myth - and will leave you with carnage as they don't just take one bird). Supervised free ranging is probably the way to go, but for the rest of the time if you can, keep them within electric netting or some other secure pen.
 
I'm almost certainly going the moveable fence route and supervised, of course.

I need to look round for a deal on electric stuff.
 
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