Conflicted and making changes

[Sassysouth]

I have 4 Red Production hens. 3 are being bullies, but I think 1 is the main instigator. I am about to get rid of 2 hens and maybe 3. I would like to get smaller chickens for sure. I looked at Silkies, but I am not sure if that is the direction I should go. My 1 remaining hen is very docile and broody half the time. She stays right by my feet and we hunt crickets/bugs together. I think she would do well with Silkies and I do want something smaller. Looking for advice and opinions.

 

[bobbi-j]

You are the only one who can decide what's right for your flock. Personally, part of the reason I keep chickens is simply for the enjoyment of it (eggs and meat are an added bonus). If I have a chicken or chickens that are taking away that enjoyment, I don't feel the need to keep them. You are not required to keep all the birds you started out with. If you find that some aren't working out for you, it's OK to make changes. I don't know anything about Silkies, so I won't comment on that. One thing to keep in mind is that your sweet bird's personality could change if you change up her flock.

 

[Sassysouth]

I agree. The 2 or 3 will be going to a good home/farm. They will be taken care of, but won't be doted on like a pet. I don't know anything about Silkies either. I would like to add 2-4 smaller chickens, depending on size, but conflicted on what breeed to heads toward. My run and coop are set up for big chickens, and not sure what changes I would need to make for a Silkie.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't keep Silkies either, they don't fit my goals. What are your goals? Why are you keeping chickens? Why do you want smaller chickens? Smaller chickens like bantams often go broody, are you OK with that? It's hard to make any recommendations as I don't know your goals.

I don't know how your coop is set up but Silkies cannot fly. You may need special accommodations to allow them to get high and back down, like ramps or ladders, or they may need to live their life at or near ground level. To me that's the big difference between Silkies and others, Silkies cannot fly.

 

[Sassysouth]

My initial goal was eggs. And I had really hoped one chicken would turn into a lap chicken. We have so many eggs from these 4, I am constantly giving them away. We don't eat eggs like I thought we would.
My goal now is a few eggs and good pets to enjoy. I have one hen now that spends half her time broody, so I don't really care about that.
My run is 16ftx4ftx6ft and coop 6x4x6. I can add and make accommodations easy enough for Bantams.
After much thought about your insightful questions, I think I do want to go in the direction of Bantams. Possibly silkies specifically.

 

[member 373180]

I have a flock of assorted bantams and they are generally great. The d'uccles and sebrights have a lot of personality and they are on the small side, I would recommend them if you want to interact with your chickens. My silkie is also very personable but she has a habit of getting dirty, if that might be an issue in your space. The Cochins are bigger but also very sweet and quiet. The buff Orpingtons I had were noisy and ornery.
I've noticed a lot of individual differences, though, so I agree with bobbi-j, get a few and keep the ones that are working out.

 

[Sassysouth]

I have a flock of assorted bantams and they are generally great. The d'uccles and sebrights have a lot of personality and they are on the small side, I would recommend them if you want to interact with your chickens. My silkie is also very personable but she has a habit of getting dirty, if that might be an issue in your space. The Cochins are bigger but also very sweet and quiet.

Thank you. I am looking at all the Bantam breeds now. As I was thinking of the silkies, I was picturing a ball of pine shavings running around. Haha

 

[Sassysouth]

Well, like life, all plans change! I have plans to take my 3 Reds to my friends farms today, and about a hour ago I get a message from a friend who has asked me to take his 2 Golden Buffs. He is in between a move, a new job and a sick wive, he doesn't have time for his chickens he bought over the summer. So, I guess the Bantams will be put on hold for now and something to look forward to in the future.

 

[TalkALittle]

Buff Orpingtons? I have 3 and one is very much a lap chicken. She'll find me if I'm sitting in my lawn chair and hop on up on my legs to perch and preen and will sprawl on my lap in the sun. The other 2 a very personable as well.

 

[Sassysouth]

I am not sure, the owner said Golden Buffs. From reading on the internet a Golden Buff, Red Star, etc are crosses of RIR and Leghorns. Some of the pictures they look more red than gold and others they look just like Buff Orpingtons, assuming they are indeed two different breeds. I guess I will find out this evening there true color.