Chickens for beginners

[jamjellybina]

Hi, after nosying around for a few days I have now signed up hoping some of you nice people could help. I'm looking for some pointers on which chicken to research before we go and get some. We've got our coop & run ordered (big enough for 6 apparantly but thinking of only having 3 initially) having finally decided to take the plunge. We're after a fairly good laying breed but also ones that are friendly as we want to get the children involved in caring for them not just collecting the eggs. I saw some info on one of the numerous sites which threw up a white breed that are very friendly and lays well producing small white shelled eggs also it is fairly small in itself, but I cannot for the life of me find the information again or even the breed name. If anyone has any suggestions they would be more than welcome.

[Flummery]

It wouldn't be a White Star would it? Compact bird, hybrid so a good layer. You can see them on the Outgate Poultry site and Meadowsweet Poultry. You can google these for the website addresses and the photos. They tend to call them by different names but they are the same bird - Outgate gets them as dayolds from the Meadowsweet hatchery.

[Birdie Wife]

If you're after chickens for eggs, the normal 'brown hen', eg Warren, ISA Brown, Calder Ranger, Lohmann Brown (loads of different names but look very similar) are fine. Bantams (small hens) can sometimes be flighty - but there are good breeds for getting children involved, like Pekins and Silkies, which come in lots of different colours, including white.

[Phattaff]

What about some ex batts?????????????????????????????

[Flummery]

The hybrid brown hens, by whatever name they are called - are said by many to be the friendliest. Ex-batts come into this category

PS if you are getting them as pets for children they may not all make it which can be upsetting.

[jamjellybina]

I have no clue about ex-batts to be honest, we had thought that they would be something aimed more towards people with experience much like dog re-homing?? You were right Flummery thank you, I also found the page via google that I'd seen them on initially, little ballerinas lol. We're not in any real hurry to buy them, want to make sure we've sourced a good feed and bedding supply as well as finishing the garden preps so have a while. Thank you all so much

[Bephlam]

Maybe you're thinking of a white sussex? They're a nice breed...fairly docile and easy to manage, whilst being good layers. Great beginner birds..apparently!

In my opinion...I'd go for something heavy and non flighty...but like most creatures, they way they behave has a lot to do with how you interact with them. If you spend lots of time with them, they'll be eating out your hand and hopping up on to your lap in no time!!

Space is the most important issue - ensure you get birds that you have the room for....and always ensure you have more room than you need, because this chicken thing is addictive and YOU WILL end up with more than you initially planned!

Welcome to the Vine, btw!

[Flummery]

I recognised your descripton of them being a small hybrid. I'm looking at Outgate for my own birds soon (I HOPE it's going to be soon anyway!) and they were amongst the ones I'd considered. Hope you've bookmarked the site you found them on!

Welcome to the Grapevine by the way. Then you Bephlem for reminding me of my manners!

[tillysmum]

We've had 4 Amber Stars for 4 weeks now. They are incredibly friendly and curious (they are learning that back door opening=food coming, therefore take it in turns to fly over the fence), happy to be picked up and tickled. They are hybrids and should be good egg layers--just had our first egg today.
You will probably find that there is somewhere local to you that can give you advice--they'll want you to come back for more, so in my experience will be very honest with recommendations.
Good luck!

[HayleyB]

Ex-batts are rewarding, I'd like Legbars for blue eggs though....

[lynda66]

i've got some marans cross bred probably with other marans, and they are incredibly friendly, one walks round sat on my shoulder (though i have had them since they were born) white sussex lay a decent amount of eggs, silkies are lovely and friendly and great for kids, but you don't get many eggs. ...... maybe go along to a breeder of a few varieties and see what they recommend from their particular birds. you could get 3 different ones then

[digthatchick]

Out of all the ones I have had, the most friendly by far have been Bluebelles or Speckeldys both very good layers of brown eggs. I am sure others will have their preferences. Best of luck with your choice.

[Hans Mum]

my bluebelle is the friendliest she follows us round the garden, and doesnt mind being handled, although its probably because she knows it means treats

[araminta]

hi, we have just added a White Star and a Specked Star to our little group of hens and although the White Star is gorgeous, she is really hard to handle and seems much more wary than the others (which are Bovan Goldlines). We also introduced two Black Rocks and they are amazingly friendly and run up to be picked up as soon as we walk in. So I'd say maybe not a White Star until you're used to the friendlier types. Whereabouts are you - because if you are anywhere near Cotswold Chickens (just outside Banbury) Jude there is a brilliant source of chickens and advice! website Cotswold Chickens - Hybrid Poultry for Sale
Good luck whatever you choose!

[MaureenHall]

I'll second the recommendation for Cotswold Chickens, my Bluebelles and Black Stars were from there. It's a lovely place to visit too