Breed reccomendations

[CESOrtega]

We have had two hens as pets for about two and a half years. They wandered into our yard as strays on New Years Day. I figured if they wandered in they would wander out and go back home, but a week passed and they were still in the yard and were being eyed by hawks and dogs so we took them in. They became a loved part of our family, squatting down and putting our their wings so we can pick them up when we go to let them out. Shelly was our chief cluck and her "sister" is Cajun. Tragically, Shelly was killed last week.

So, we would like to find a replacement so Cajun will have a companion. This brings up lots of questions. I have no idea how old Cajun is but she has been the submissive one so far. She is also a little more skittish. Shelly would run towards us for us to pick her up but Cajun has to be convinced. Shelly didn't care how you held her, upside down, sideways, on her back was good to her. Cajun likes to perch on your arm like a falcon. Will it be difficult to introduce a younger bird to Cajun?

We would love another good natured, sweet bird like Shelly was but I am afraid that will be hard to find. I have no idea what their breeds are. Shelly looked most like a New Hampshire red because of her orange coloring and black streak across the tips of her tail feathers. Cajun is an unusual one, too. She is reddish black and her feathers have an irridescent sheen to them, making them look green. Both are/were large chickens and laid medium to large brown eggs.

Can someone recommend a bird that might be very loving?

 

[fldiver97]

from WI. I guess I would pick one of the calmer, heavier breeds. My Salmon Faverolle is very sweet and funny, outgoing, my EE is sweet but more shy. Depends on the chicken too. But for some ideas on temperament check Henderson's Chicken Breed chart. My favorite.....many breeds are listed as more friendly, docile, some even so docile that they are prone to be bullied. And handling them will help. I have started my group at the same time and not yet introduced another chicken to them but from the info I've read I understand that it is best to introduce them gradually. You can find posts on it, I think in FA and Behavior sections....Good luck Also, if you have pictures of your girls you can post them in the "What Breed/Gender" section and you may get answers there....Just a thought...

 

[michickenwrangler]

Try a Cochin, mine is a little TOO docile with our sex-links. They peck on him quite a bit.