Faverolle vs Orpington Roo for small flock

[Cyneswith]

My coop will comfortably house 8 birds. Temperament is my top priority, given coop space and small children.

I can either get straight run Orpingtons locally or sexed birds from My Pet Chicken - making Orpingtons cheaper and I get to buy birds from people I know. I will have to sell/cull extras either way, since I should have 4 pullets already by that time (6 now, plan to sell the least friendly ones, lest my kids end up thinking we will always keep the whole flock.)

Faverolles have one of the best recommended minimum hen to rooster ratios (8:1), and a high lay rate (good for selling offspring). Orpingtons aren't BAD in that regard, but not the very best (9:1, I think), with a lower lay rate.

I adore my Orpington girls because, well, they adore me. I understand Faverolles also have a good temperament - are they AS people friendly?

Reasons for considering adding a rooster: I REALLY liked raising my chicks and I'd kind of like to hatch my own. Part of me imagines the hens would want a rooster around (though an aggressive rooster is one of my biggest "I'm not sure about this" factors.) I will add a 4x4 separation coop with 4x10 run if I add to my current flock.

I am certain there are more factors I'm missing.

 

[Rubysword]

Faverolles are the sweetest burds ever!!! Just my 2cents.

 

[LittleWillowFarm]

I think the orpington do lay a little bit more then the Faverolles I heard, but I don't know each ones personality because I have never had one of those breeds

 

[Chickassan]

Faverolles no doubt about it, especially for a small flock. The roos are people friendly,comical and downright sweet.They are very good providers and don't overbreed the hens,i know this because I've only got 6 hens. My only roo is a faverolles he is six months old and he should be at his worst hormonally but he's still just a calm mellow guy. Ive never been flogged or seriously pecked .FYI the roos seem to have a strong instict to raise chicks,mine spends a whole lot of time making nests.

 

[ShrekDawg]

How are they volume wise?

 

[Chickassan]

As in sound? The hens are very vocal and chat quite a bit, they don't sound quite normal not bad just different .The roo crows alot but he isn't loud other than that it's just low clucks out of him. If you meant some other type of volume like eggs or how much you'd get if you ate one let me know.

How are they volume wise?

 

[Cyneswith]

Since I'm not sure exactly what you're asking...

Faverolles average 5 eggs per week (160-200 per year) while Orpingtons average 3 eggs per week (100-180 per year.)

Faverolle males average 8 lbs, Orpingtons 8 1/2 lbs.

My coop is 4x8, with an 8x12 run.

 

[Coykoi]

One of the reasons I chose Orpingtons was their egg production. I ended up with a rooster but I adore him. He's a great protector to his girls but quite randy. He's also a jerk to me about half of the time. He does overbreed, especially one hen. I'm hoping he settles down as he matures. I would like to see how a Faverolles roo would do with Orpington hens. Orps would pick on Fav hens, but might enjoy a Fav roo. Favs are known to be more vocal, so the combination may be the best of both worlds. Disclaimer: they're all individuals and your results could vary

 

[Krazyquilts]

Faverolles no doubt about it, especially for a small flock. The roos are people friendly,comical and downright sweet.They are very good providers and don't overbreed the hens,i know this because I've only got 6 hens. My only roo is a faverolles he is six months old and he should be at his worst hormonally but he's still just a calm mellow guy. Ive never been flogged or seriously pecked .FYI the roos seem to have a strong instict to raise chicks,mine spends a whole lot of time making nests.

What a gorgeous boy! I was just looking at Faverolles pics this morning.

 

[Chickassan]

He's a really good boy, his handsomeness is just a bonus. @Cyneswith He's a MPC rooster.

Nesting action

What a gorgeous boy! I was just looking at Faverolles pics this morning.