I am a new chicken owner, with 2 Barred Plymouth Rocks, and 2 Buff Orpingtons we got as little chicks this year. We have them in an 8 foot tall, 8 x 4 run, with a 4x4 coop on stilts. Most days, the door is opened and they can free range and eat bugs and grass for several hours. I am very interested in adding one or two Appenzeller Spitzhaubens to our flock next year- they are SO beautiful! It sounds like their temperament and needs are a good match for us, except that I keep reading they do not do well with confinement and like to roost in trees. Has anyone else had experience with these types of breeds? Ones who don't do will with confinement or are ornamental? What happens when they are confined? Is some confinement ok, or do they need to be free 24 hours each day? I would love to get any opinions about how they would do with my set-up... I don't want to get them if they aren't going to thrive. Thanks!
