Shetland Hens

[sjango]

They aren’t as pricey as some other Greenfire birds, that’s the crazy part!

 

[Lesyka]

I hatched three this spring from a greenfire rainbow layer pack, but all of them are roosters, and there are two different types! I'm not sure if I want to try again for a hen since they are so expensive. I'd like to keep one for making olive eggers, and I'm hoping maybe someone local has hens and needs a rooster or two. Does anyone know what roosters are supposed to look like with this breed?

 

[sjango]

I hatched three this spring from a greenfire rainbow layer pack, but all of them are roosters, and there are two different types! I'm not sure if I want to try again for a hen since they are so expensive. I'd like to keep one for making olive eggers, and I'm hoping maybe someone local has hens and needs a rooster or two. Does anyone know what roosters are supposed to look like with this breed? View attachment 2500610View attachment 2500611

Those look great! Depending on where you are located I’m buying some shetlands and may have an extra hen for you!

 

[Lesyka]

Those look great! Depending on where you are located I’m buying some shetlands and may have an extra hen for you!

I am up in Oregon, but I would love to know what you think of them! So far they are good foragers, but they are pretty small, just a little bigger than bantam. I'm curious how the hens do.

 

[sjango]

I am up in Oregon, but I would love to know what you think of them! So far they are good foragers, but they are pretty small, just a little bigger than bantam. I'm curious how the hens do.

My sister in law lives in Portland, I may be able to bring one up if you're anywhere nearby. I'm excited, smaller is good in my opinion, and from the research I've done, your roosters look very good. I would be happy with either of those as my main breeding male.

 

[Lesyka]

My sister in law lives in Portland, I may be able to bring one up if you're anywhere nearby. I'm excited, smaller is good in my opinion, and from the research I've done, your roosters look very good. I would be happy with either of those as my main breeding male.

I live in Estacada, it's about 45 minutes from Portland, I would be happy to share one or two roosters with you if it's not too far!

 

[sjango]

We'll see if it works out.

 

[Lesyka]

We'll see if it works out.

You can certainly have them even if you don't have an extra hen, I think they would be happier with their own kind. They've been trying to fertilize the bielefelders.

 

[livhatcher]

Hi! I’m in ga & received my Shetlands in February from gff. I ordered 4 and only 1 made it. They were all small, dark chicks. I was kind of surprised because of the variation they feature in chicks on the web. I really want to find hatching eggs because I’ve had a lot more success with them than shipped chicks. Any leads appreciated!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Wondering what all of you Shetland Hen owners think of your birds?
I have the opportunity to get a sexed pullet from a local breeder (they have lines from Greenfire I believe).
Egg size? How often do they lay? When do they start laying? How much do the hens weigh? I heard they are a bit bigger than a bantam. Temperament? Broodiness? Get along with other breeds?
I find this breed quite fascinating!