Do you have more problems with feathered leg or crested chickens?

[jossanne]

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Like I said, my polish have been free ranging for over a year, and they haven't had any problems. I've given one a haircut one time, and she's done fine. I can't catch her or the silkies any more easily than any of the others. I guess this is an individual thing. They're just as happy and un-picked as the rest...

 

[kathyinmo]

Post # 962
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I agree 100%. I love my Silkies and will keep them. They have, so far, been excellent layers. I have yet to have a broody hen, but just started with chickens a few months ago.

I do NOT like the Polish. They are so flighty, and as stated have difficulty seeing. Mine bump into posts, etc. They spend alot of time inside the coop, and even in the nests (not laying mind you).

I think you would love the australorps. may I mention Cuckoo Marans. I absolutely love mine. They lay an egg nearly every day, and the eggs pretty. Dark, but not as dark as I would like! Gentle and sweet! Here is a picture of my DD holding our Cuckoo Marans roo, Rupert (and the dog - see his ear on her knee). Rupert is so gentle with the hens. Not a feather missing or even out of place.

Whatever your choice is, I am sure you will want more! Good luck with your decision. Have fun!

 

[DiVon80]

I love all the feather foots. No extra care unless you show. Cochins big and small are wonderful. I also love Buff O.'s. Wonderful friendly birds that lay large brn egg. Its basically what you like to look at. Get a few different breeds decide for you self. Go gor it and have fun....

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

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We'll have the covered run. Would playground sand keep their feathered feet clean?

The playground sand would allow for more drainage when it rains, so it should be ok. The issue is mud and being on the wet ground, so the sand will eliminate that issue.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

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Like I said, my polish have been free ranging for over a year, and they haven't had any problems. I've given one a haircut one time, and she's done fine. I can't catch her or the silkies any more easily than any of the others. I guess this is an individual thing. They're just as happy and un-picked as the rest...

I hope nobody take offense, but it depends on the quality of the birds you choose to get. If you get hatchery quality birds, they generally have smaller topknots and can see much easier than exhibition quality birds. Same with hatchery quality feather footed breeds - they don't have as much foot feathering as most exhibition quality birds. You've got to weigh the pros and cons of having each strain and choose the best quality to fit your particular needs.

 

[gritsar]

I've been free ranging my brahmas for a year and a half now and haven't had any problems related to their feet.
They are hatchery quality, but my darks especially are heavily feathered on their feet, as you can see from this pic when they were only five weeks old:

I've yet to see a broody and I want one!

 

[LeBlackbird]

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Poor baby!!I'm not going to show as I am afraid of picking up any disease. My girls will have either their permanent roof over their run or metal or netting overhead to protect from hawks so no worries there--thanks!

.

Or you could try a different variety like golden or buff-laced

 

[LeBlackbird]

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Like I said, my polish have been free ranging for over a year, and they haven't had any problems. I've given one a haircut one time, and she's done fine. I can't catch her or the silkies any more easily than any of the others. I guess this is an individual thing. They're just as happy and un-picked as the rest...

I hope nobody take offense, but it depends on the quality of the birds you choose to get. If you get hatchery quality birds, they generally have smaller topknots and can see much easier than exhibition quality birds. Same with hatchery quality feather footed breeds - they don't have as much foot feathering as most exhibition quality birds. You've got to weigh the pros and cons of having each strain and choose the best quality to fit your particular needs.

My hatchery bird has a large topknot

 

[gritsar]

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You know what I learned with my hatchery quality brahmas? There's no law that says the breeder supplying the hatchery with eggs can't also be working on improving the quality of his stock. My dark brahma roo is nearly show quality, as is one of my dark hens. I also have a light brahma hen that is every bit as nice as the ones I've seen at shows.

 

[Bantimna]

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What about the Houdan?