Australorps

[Llamas]

We're thinking of getting a couple more hens for egg laying and I quite liked the look of the australorps. Does anyone know who might be selling them in the Hampshire area? We're looking for point of lay hens. Would also like to hear what others who have know the breed think of them.

[palomino]

We got ours at the East of England Autumn Exhibition two years ago and they are absolutely divine, real pets and much admired. Big personalities, huge birds with masses of feather, tame, confident and cuddly. Sadly lost the cockerel recently from a respiratory infection but he was easily the nicest boy I've ever known, even sweeter than the Orpington. Downsides? They are big, greedy birds, they eat a LOT and what comes out the other end is pretty substantial! The eggs are small for the size of hen (as are Orpingtons), and they go broody all the time. My girls are terribly clumsy with eggs and chicks and a few babies have been squashed to death by mama. Sorry I don't know anyone selling them but best of luck.

[petal]

Bit too far from you , we have a girl and a boy for sale! They are such pretty birds, good choice you have made.Another attractive breed with a lovely sheen is the barnevelder.

[Llamas]

I'd be happy to drive over, (stateside, anything less than 10 hours driving is considered a day trip) as I love the sound of them, but OH is rather hesitant to leave the county for chickens, however lovely they undoubtedly are . I've also been considering the barnevelders, I love how they look too, espcially the double laced.

Palomino, our light sussex lay rather small eggs as well. The rooster (Woster) is huge and the reaction to the first egg laid by his signifiant other was 'Is that it?!"

The barnevelders are food for thought, I'd like to find a pretty dual purpose breed. Meat is important but eggs are what we sell to cover costs.