Hamburgs or Campines?

[Bluegenes]

I'm not really into most the flightier Mediterranean breeds, but I have heard these two breeds are among the friendliest of them. When I was a kid we had a very friendly little Hamburg. She wasn't cuddly but was very personable and liked to be around you. I've never had Campines, but I love how they look. But Pencilled Hamburgs are very similar. Has anyone had both breeds? Which one was friendlier (even if not "cuddly")? Which one layed better?
Thanks!

 

[Aji Dulce]

I'm not really into most the flightier Mediterranean breeds, but I have heard these two breeds are among the friendliest of them. When I was a kid we had a very friendly little Hamburg. She wasn't cuddly but was very personable and liked to be around you. I've never had Campines, but I love how they look. But Pencilled Hamburgs are very similar. Has anyone had both breeds? Which one was friendlier (even if not "cuddly")? Which one layed better?
Thanks!

According to the Livestock Conservancy, both of the heritage breeds you mentioned are on the Critical and Watch list, the Campine being Critical. Just on that alone, my vote goes to the Campine.

 

[Bluegenes]

Well at this point definitely no plans to breed. I have enough breeds to breed already. Just want to order a few females from a hatchery, hopefully whichever is friendliest and lays best.

 

[jolenesdad]

I am obsessed with my Campine. She has SO much personality and IS pretty cuddly. She isn’t entirely as docile as say my Speckled Sussex, but she is awesome, and one of my all-time favorites. She will sit with you whenever, wherever, and is the only chicken that I have that you can call from the ground to fly onto your arm.

They’re also gorgeous, I don’t think pictures do them justice at all.

 

[Melky]

Well I don’t have them. I have looked at them. I love the SSH due to beautiful feathering but also needs free range. Not really suited for confinement. Also lays more eggs 4-5 per week but smaller white than Campine. SSH has a rose comb and less risk for frostbite.

GC pretty brown feathering known to be friendly and talkative. Tolerates confinement or free range. Lays white medium eggs 3-4 eggs per week. GC has single comb so more at risk for frostbite will have to watch and protect in winter. Both are good flyers. Campine good foragers. Good Luck with decision!

 

[Aji Dulce]

Well at this point definitely no plans to breed. I have enough breeds to breed already. Just want to order a few females from a hatchery, hopefully whichever is friendliest and lays best.

I am a relatively new chicken keeper, as of 2017 to produce all the eggs and chicken our family consumes. I don’t sell anything yet but came to the realization that if it takes the same effort, why wouldn’t I favor a breed that needs help, and do a little bit of selection in the process. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Alexandra33]

Of the two, Campine would likely suit your needs best. Both breeds shine in their own, unique way, but as far as personality and laying abilities, Campines (figuratively AND literally....explanation later) take the cake.

Campine strengths:
-They take FUN to the next level. Talkative, personable, peppery little things.
- Decent layers of 4-6 eggs a week.
- Stunning, unusual plumage.
- Get along well in a flock setting.
- Not terribly fussy when confined.

Hamburg strengths:
-Hardy, healthy birds that withstand cold quite well.
- Perfect eye candy.
- Predator savvy, in spite of high-contrast coloration. Mine has wittily escaped pursuit by hawk.
- Also decent layers, though not quite as regular as the Campine.

~Alex