Comments/pics on Delawares

[chickie fam]

Hi,
looking to hear about delawares and see some of the pictures of everyones beautiful chickies!

I ordered 10 Delaware pullets and I'm getting very excited to get them so I figured it might be nice to hear about everyone's experience with their Delawares!

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I have them and love them. Every other breed I have had has come and gone for varying reasons, but I keep the Delaware's around all the time. They lay really well even in bad weather, they're friendly, and personally I couldn't possibly ask for a better breed to fit what I want around the little farm. I like their egg size too...DH hates small eggs

but that's not an issue with my Del's. I like that they forage really well because it cuts my feed bill. The roos are great with the ladies and very protective. I actually haven't had a roo yet that wasn't very protective of the flock. All around they are a great breed. I hear they go broody easily too

I haven't let mine get it in their little heads, but I have found a few hidden nests and took the eggs. I may let them hatch some when weather gets nicer this year. The only other breed I have been that impressed with is the Buff Orpingtons I have, but they still couldn't take the place of my Del's

 

[chickie fam]

Are the roos aggressive at all? We were wanting a good chicken breed thats friendly, lays eggs well, roos that aren't real aggressive and hens that make good moms. I was reading up on the Delaware but the places I was looking didn't have a whole lot on the breed so I figured I'd ask people who have them what they think.

 

[delawaregirl09]

Hi Chickie Fam! Welcome to Delaware Domination, lol. Once you have those girls, you'll be in love.

From my experiences, I have never had an aggressive rooster. All of them have been protective of my flock and friendly towards people. My hens are protective of their nests, lol. I haven't had a Delaware stay broody, but I know others on here have. We have a really long thread on Delawares on BYC. Heres the link:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=249618&p=943

 

[speckledhen]

The type from a hatchery, I refuse to have. Been there, done that. They almost ruined the breed for me. The heritage breeder type I have now is fabulous. The chicks are different from the start. They're fearless, quick, smart and always in trouble like a kid that's too smart for his britches, LOL. The rooster in my avatar, Isaac, is a prince among roosters, super calm, highly alert, personable and sweet. They are not all like that because roosters are individuals, but overall, I think Delaware roosters are a pretty good bunch.

Do join us on the Delaware thread where you'll see lots of pictures.

 

[chickie fam]

Thank you! I definitely will have to join the thread. Im getting mine from a hatchery so I hope they are ok.