I would like some new hens, but which breed?

[rachelb]

I have a Buff Orp and a Partridge Orp who are a right pair of fluffy good-looking ladies. They have their own laidback characters and are really good friends, but not brilliant egg layers - I have not had any eggs since September. They have both gone through a molt and the weather is cold here (drops to -2C at night time and not much more than 3 or 4 degrees during the day). I understand having read something recently that Orps don't suppose to stop laying in the winter - mmm! My ladies have different ideas!

I would like to get a couple of new ladies in the Spring who are a bit better at laying and a little more frequent but don't know where to start. I like the look of the RIR, a good looking bird, but not sure how easy they are to get in the UK. Otherwise what other breeds are good egg layers and likely to get on with 2 BOs?

Now I've got to convince my hubby that it's a good idea!

 

[Solsken Farm]

Put a light on from 7 am to 7 pm, if you want to keep up production, or give them a break during the winter.....

If I were you I would get some Marans! You live in the UK and can get gorgeous dark layers. I am partial to them and they would do great in your environment. Good luck!

 

[herechickchick]

If you keep light on them they will probably lay thru the winter but I think molting and a decrease in egg production during the winter is good for the birds. You are very lucky to be in the UK as many members here including myself are very jealous of the great colors you all have. Look into the Sussex. I know they are very popular in the UK and might be what you are looking for. My best layer thru the winter is my Brahma, so you might want to check into those as well.

Good Luck

 

[rachelb]

Quote:
Thanks Jennifer I shall look into some Marans for the Spring.

If I don't add a light to the coop but wait until the light begins to improve any idea when my ladies are likely to start laying again?

Rachel

 

[rachelb]

Quote:
Thanks Adam I shall also look into the Sussex.

Rachel

 

[HorseFeathers]

I would urge you to get some EEs or Australorps or Welsummers- or all of them! They are our sweetest breeds and very loving, and lay well too.

 

[rachelb]

Quote:
Thanks Envirogirl. You'll have to tell me what EE stands for though as I'm not sure and cannot find any reference to it! I have found the Australorps in the BYC breeds section and they look very pretty and a similar size to the Orps. Thank you for your advice.

Rachel

 

[HorseFeathers]

Quote:
Thanks Envirogirl. You'll have to tell me what EE stands for though as I'm not sure and cannot find any reference to it! I have found the Australorps in the BYC breeds section and they look very pretty and a similar size to the Orps. Thank you for your advice.

Rachel

EE stands for easter Egger. They lay green eggs (Martha Stewart chicken). Hatcheries sell them as Auracaunas or Amerecaunas, but they are not. Those are two different breeds, and EEs are technically mutts. That is part of why they are so wonderful though!