A postscript to my previous, I am handfeeding my hens and the rooster, who I call Del, imaginative, right? They very graciously take dandelions, lettuce or anything else that I offer in my hand, they are probably the most docile chickens I can recall. Buff orpingons were nice too, as well as wyandottes, but these are great pet candidates.
I will add that they are also excellent layers of extra large light brown eggs. Same diet as others, but right now they are outlaying the Icelandics. I will be comparing three breeds in every category, not to see which is 'best' as I know each will excell in a number of areas. But just comparing them.
The Delawares are holding their own, they are keepers.
