North Carolina

[dutchbunny83]

The only chicks I saw were $5,000 for a pair of 2 8 weeks old-- they were growing them out for pairs not straight runs.
The sumatras are pretty, but I like the comb on these better.
Pretty similar to all black silkies with the bones and whatnot, but at that price I definitely wouldn't be eating one!!!
Apparently they are somewhat common over in parts of Germany and only about $60 a chick instead of $2500!
Definitely going on my dream list, I am obsessed now!

 

[Lizabelsherrill]

The only chicks I saw were $5,000 for a pair of 2 8 weeks old-- they were growing them out for pairs not straight runs.
The sumatras are pretty, but I like the comb on these better.
Pretty similar to all black silkies with the bones and whatnot, but at that price I definitely wouldn't be eating one!!!
Apparently they are somewhat common over in parts of Germany and only about $60 a chick instead of $2500!
Definitely going on my dream list, I am obsessed now!

 

[NewHomesteader2010]

I agree with Beth. RIR roos, while beautiful, have a reputation for an attitude problem. Every one I've had has been fine when young, and turned aggressive around a year old. The pullets are wonderful though.

Perhaps you should pull up some breed lists with pictures, since it appears your hubby likes a pretty roo. Find one that he likes the looks of but has a reputation for being easy to deal with. Hmmmm....make a list. Don't let him choose one. Choose several. Then see if you can find one of them.

The only problem I see here...is that I too like pretty birds and I am afraid my list might get incredibly LONG!! LOL. So far on my list are: Cochins (blue & splash...reminds me of my favorite girls), Wyandotte (I really like the golden laced & the silver laced ones), EE, Orpington, Australorp, D'Uccle Mille Fleur (REALLY pretty), Faverolles (I think that's how it's spelled.. LOL), I WISH Sebrights were not Bantam...because they too are beautiful!!
What is everyone's opinion on the extensive list (I want to look, but I am not allowing myself...LOL).

 

[ramirezframing]

D'uccles are bantams too

 

[tammyfarms]

The only problem I see here...is that I too like pretty birds and I am afraid my list might get incredibly LONG!! LOL. So far on my list are: Cochins (blue & splash...reminds me of my favorite girls), Wyandotte (I really like the golden laced & the silver laced ones), EE, Orpington, Australorp, D'Uccle Mille Fleur (REALLY pretty), Faverolles (I think that's how it's spelled.. LOL), I WISH Sebrights were not Bantam...because they too are beautiful!!
What is everyone's opinion on the extensive list (I want to look, but I am not allowing myself...LOL).

This is only my opinion based mostly on research so anyone with practical experience please jump in!!!

Cochins - don't lay all that well
Wynatotte - good all purpose, from what I have read the silver laced are the best layers. I have seen both breeder and hatchery birds and there is a huge size difference!
EE - are a mix and won't breed true (from experience, but I love them anyway), depending on the mix they can be beautiful and docile, can be large or small
Orpington - Good all purpose, I think the roos are pretty docile
Australorp - Good all purpose, I was looking for some at one point and had a hard time finding them locally.
D'Uccle Mille Fleur - As noted by RF, bantam
Faverolle - Very docile, can be bullied by others in flock (I haven't had them, but they are on my list too!), something to consider is the females lay a medium egg. If you have hawks, you mignt want to stay away from light colors

Do you want birds that are going to be good foragers? Some are naturally better than others.

This of course has me thinking in my never ending quest of "what breed am I going to raise?". How do English Orpingtons compare to regular (American?) Orpingtons as far as behavior, egg laying, etc?

 

[DSTchickencraze]

Just a question, is the one RIR hen missing just her back feathers? I know some of my birds have started to molt already. I have been seeing feathers all over the ground.

This what she looks like... I'm not entirely what the molting is suppose to look like since our previous hens passed before they had the chance to.


This is what she looked like on Sunday.









This is our other RIR who doesn't seem to be having the problem...

Is this what molting looks like, or over mating/rooster aggressiveness?

 

[ramirezframing]

DST I have seen and had birds that molt into bald spots before. But your hens do look like they are the roosters favorite girls.

 

[BHep]

DST.. that is normal. Could be molting or just the roosters favorite. Doubleatraining makes chicken saddles.

Check out her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/NewDawnHomestead

 

[sbrooks88]

MY BUNNY JUST DIED IN MY ARMS!!! Just all of a sudden! Fed him last night. Fed him this morning! Came back to give him some turnip greens and he was limp! I picked him up and dropped some water in his mouth. He didnt want it and then he just died. Just like that! Gone! I can't stop crying. My chick yesterday and today my mr marbles! What did I do to deserve this?

 

[wildriverswolf90]

The only problem I see here...is that I too like pretty birds and I am afraid my list might get incredibly LONG!!  LOL.  So far on my list are: Cochins (blue & splash...reminds me of my favorite girls), Wyandotte (I really like the golden laced & the silver laced ones), EE, Orpington, Australorp, D'Uccle Mille Fleur (REALLY pretty), Faverolles (I think that's how it's spelled.. LOL), I WISH Sebrights were not Bantam...because they too are beautiful!!  
  What is everyone's opinion on the extensive list (I want to look, but I am not allowing myself...LOL).

I think you have a good list there I have australorps, wyandottes, Orps, cochins, EEs and Faverolles all in my layer flock. They are all great Layers. And the cochins as you know, make great broodies . I think they are all lovely birds with good personality.

Just for fun this is Phoebe my Salmon Faverolle