Best flyers

[oldbones929]

Hi all,
I'm new here and I've been fighting the urge to get some chickens. I had silkies years ago but have been chicken-less ever since. I would like to get breeds that are good flyers since they'll be free range most of the time (except at night). I want them to have some sort of chance against predators. I have plenty of trees with low branches so I would like some suggestions for breeds that have the best flying capabilities. I've looked around the forum but haven't been able to find specific info.

Thanks
Jennifer Smith

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Most bantams and light breeds are good fliers. Japanese fly like crazy. My Phoenix, Yokohama's, White-faced Black Spanish, La Fleche are all good fliers. None of the heavy layers would be good, they can injure themselves jumping down from high places. I don't have any Leghorns, but I bet they'd be good fliers, they are really light and good layers as well.

 

[speckledhen]

Ameraucanas are great flyers. It's why their pen is the only one with a top on it.

 

[seedcorn]

In bantams stay away from cornish, cochins, brahma's and silkies if you want flight. They are very laid back and by the time they knew a predator was there, they would be lunch. Any of the OEG would be outstanding as they are alert and can fly like a bird.

 

[FluffyChickenMama]

if your wanting something to range and stay out of predators way Im gonna say Leghorns.. I am not personally a leghorn fan they are very VERY fast and flighty and are good ranging..I own six Rose Comb Browns and they are beautiful birds, especially the roos.. They seem to know exactly whats going on around them all the time.. Actually from what I hear that describes most of the Mediterranean Class.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Quote:
Not EE's, though. My girls have got some heavy laying breeds in them and are BIG...somewhere between my BSL and Australorp. So stay away from hatchery "Ameraucanas" and buy from a good breeder if you want Ameraucanas.

 

[oldbones929]

Cynthia,
Do you ever have any Ameraucana chicks for sale? I live in west central GA about an hour SE of Atlanta.

Jennifer

 

[Zenbirder]

Quote:
Not EE's, though. My girls have got some heavy laying breeds in them and are BIG...somewhere between my BSL and Australorp. So stay away from hatchery "Ameraucanas" and buy from a good breeder if you want Ameraucanas.

And my EEs are the best flyers and the lightest bodied of all my girls! I guess they are not called muts around here for nothing.

 

[speckledhen]

oldbones, do you live near Carrollton? My grandfather had a farm there till he was near 100 years old. rooster-red lives around Douglasville and came all the way up here to visit with me and buy some pullets.
I haven't had any for sale so far since this is my first year with Ameraucanas. I have a list for hatching eggs from my trio-would you want to try incubating some? It's loads of fun! I thought maybe in the spring when I have a couple of new layers that I might hatch some just to sell.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

The Lakenvelder is a great flyer. They are known to be an excellent free-range chicken.They lay a white egg (well almost white). They are said to be non-setters.
I had some free-ranging, but since I want to hatch eggs, and they were great at hiding their eggs, I have them penned right now.

Jean