help needed

[wollyanna]

I have learnt that one of my grandsons has started keeping chickens and I thought it might be rather nice to get him some more hens rather as a change from his usual easter egg. Unfortunately I don't see him very often so have no knowledge of his set up,but know that there will be no shortage of space. I thought that getting just a couple of hens would be something that he would appreciate and not overload his system. I would be grateful for any suggestions from the experts. Best source best breed ,good layers etc He lives near Harewood House so a bit north .Many thanks.

[its hilly]

TBH its a wonderful idea, but why not ask him? It may spoil your surprise, but it could be that hes desperate to add a special breed to his current holding. Or may have a yen to have something he could show for a more serious hobby.
Or might really want something different, like pekins or barbu d'uccle, which are tiny, dont lay very well, but are VERY cute.
If he wants egg layers then hybrids are best, bluebells, isa brown, etc
Or maybe Marans, good layers, very dark brown eggs. Cream legbars, good layers, sky blue or olive green eggs. Welsummers, good layers, speckly brown eggs.

[frias]

Have to agree. As nice as a surprise is, it best to ask first when getting 'live' presents.

[walldanzig]

I agree as well brilliant idea well done you but I would ask him and maybe you could go choose together be nice to see what he's doing

[Bramble-Poultry]

Perhaps ask his parents, they might know what he wants or can perhaps find out - that way you can maintain your surprise for your grandson whilst getting him exactly what he wants.

I agree with Hilly re breeds for egg laying Marans or legbars, bluebells or light sussex - all nice looking birds whilst laying plenty of eggs try to Google a couple of images

[MaureenHall]

It's a lovely idea The best Christmas present I ever had was 2 white ex-batts from my daughter

[organic]

Alternatively - you could go to a local chocolatier and see if you can get an "i.o.u. 1 Chicken" inside an easter egg, or blow out the middle of a real egg and put something in there.

Basically anything to give the surprise gift on the day and then get him involved in picking the breed.

Best of both worlds, surely... unless you can find one he really wants and are sure hes ready to take it in an look after it.

[Flummery]

Do make sure he and his parents are able to cope with the inevitable fighting that will occur with additions to the flock. Sometimes it goes smoothly but there have been people reduced to tears by the hen-pecking that can go on for weeks.

[wollyanna]

Thank you all. I have decided to take the advice you have all so kindly given and decided to actually make his Easter Card and do the iou bit and if time make his easter egg this year and put perhaps a list of the suppliers I can find in his area together with the suggestions for good layers that you have suggested. Once again thank you.

[di]

Do you think they might be interested trying to hatch their own,if so maybe an incubator.

[Scarlet]

Oh! That was my idea - an incubator was on one of my lads Christmas list several years ago, it was one of the best presents he's had and we've all enjoyed it