I think my Cornish bantams (with the exception of one of my gals) are the healthiest I've had in a long while. Rarely do mine have foot issues here and I've not lost one to unknown circumstances unlike a good deal of the breeds I've had
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To answer your other question, I like to view it more like leghorns have the ABILITY to be flighty. I haven't found them to leave the property with no reason, or be birds that stress easily, quite the contrary actually, I feel more safe knowing that my birds can fly well and escape predator attacks! What I'm saying is, I would prefer to chase my chicken to get it back into the property (or for it to come back alone which is not unheard of) than for her to be an easy snack for a predator
Interesting about the hatchery vs. breeder thing!
So sorry to see poor Slowpoke I am still interested in EEs, but I will have to look out for crossbeak or other physical deformities.
I have had birds for over ten years and without fail the ones I have purchased from backyard breeders are the ones that wind up having the most issues.
Currently everyone from Meyer is 1.5 years so still on the young side and broody enough to hatch chicks 1-2 times a year, but not Silkie addicted to being broody all of the time kind of broody.I've always been hesitant to get Leghorns, even though my local TSC has them often and I think they sound like excellent layers. But they are always described as "flighty". I know this means skittish, but is it also literal in the sense that they could try to fly over my 4 ft fence even with wings clipped? That's my worry. Other than that, they seem like a good contender. They are beautiful.
Good to know about the Wyandottes! I was thinking of getting them so that is something to consider. Orpingtons, Welsummers, and Sussex were catching my eye lately. I live near Meyer so I would likely be getting chicks from there. How old are your Orps, Welsummers, and Sussex from Meyer? Are they still laying at their age? How broody are the Orpingtons?