Pros: Lots of good, specific information, particularly on breeding line ans histroy.
Cons: Pictures are very grainy
This is an interesting breed. It sounds like there are breeders trying to save it. If this article were beefed up with some positive encouragement and clear, current pictures, it just may entice new breeders to join the efforts!
Pros: Very nice pictures and a good overall visual impact
Cons: Could use some text and a maybe a bit of background or how-to's
This is a great looking coop and run. I love the narrow verticals on the high side - they adds strength and style without blocking the view or air flow.
Pros: Super Friendly, Great with Kids, Great Broodies & Parents - even the roosters! Great conversation starters.
Cons: VERY hard to find! Slow to mature - late layers. Cover your brooder - these babies fly early!
These little birds are full of personality! They are super friendly - even when they aren't handled much as peeps - and are curious to a fault! Ours are home-bodies, staying close to the coop and under the cover of our awnings and shrubs to avoid hawks. They will venture out whenever they hear people and usually end up on someone's knee or shoulder. Ours will actually walk on a leash - which makes them great candidates for petting zoos and Farm Day demonstrations.
Nankins are not prolific layers, but they are steady. We generally get three, sometimes four eggs a week, with a definite slowdown through the colder months. Hens go broody really easily, which is good, because incubator results are inconsistent. Hatching rates are definitely higher with a broody. Once they start setting, Nankin hens make very good mothers.
Roosters are just as friendly and laid back as the hens. Roos raised together tend to get along well, even with younger ones coming up through a new clutch. In a smaller flock like ours, the rooster will sometimes stay with the chicks while Mama is off feeding or bathing, and I've seen a roo actually take over an older batch of chicks while Mama went back to set another clutch. Pretty cool!
The only bad thing I can say about Nankins is that they are virtually impossible to find. When you do find someone with extra breeding birds, they're usually cockerels. To start a flock, you'll likely need to start with straight run chicks - if you can find them. Be patient, though. These little gems are well worth the extra effort!
