Pros: Foraging ability, non-aggressive,good layers, lovely shiny black plumage.
Cons: Not many, but are great flyers, so will escape over fences.
I'm producing a review as nobody has done so yet, but I'm no expert on these birds. I hatched mine from eggs and the fertility of my own 4 hens and one rooster has been exceptional.They are described as large fowl....my hens weigh about 5-6 lbs and the rooster a bit more, but they are young birds (hatched August 2011).They have lovely shiny all black feathers, with a striking V comb and white earlobes.
Though many reviews I read described them as 'skittish' and untameable, I have NOT found this to be the case. Though slightly nervous, they come when called, pen themselves at dusk, and are no more difficult to manage than my Brahmas.
They need little food to survive in the free-range environment being excellent foragers.
They are also excellent flyers, and will roost in trees and barns given the opportunity.Not so good, therefore with low fences.
The rooster has a very side range of vocalisations, but is totally non-aggressive.
They lay approximately 5 good sized eggs per week.
None of mine so far have become broody.
