Starting Over

[BantyHugger]

During the summer we thinned our flock down to just 6 birds. 5 hens and our Roo. Then in October a bobcat got in and now we have no birds at all. We are thinking of getting more birds this spring. However we dont know what breeds we want. We are looking at just 6 birds again because we cant handle more eggs then that. Mom wants something traditional like barred rocks or orpington. My grandmother and I on the other hand want a fancier breed of bird. Does anyone have suggestions of boldly colored, traditional-bodied birds?

 

[V Comb]

The Houdan. It is a unique rare, ancient breed originating from France. They lay well, and were created as a dual purpose breed. They are very sweet, but their crest gives them limited sight. I just love my bubs.

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGD/Houdan/BRKHoudan.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houdan_(chicken)

 

[Illia]

Are we talking bantam or LF?

 

[phasianidae]

Dorking!

 

[TinyBirds]

I'm so sorry about the bobcat. We have one too, and it sometimes takes 2 birds in 1 day (the free range birds). What kind of pen did it get into? Now I'm worried about my breeding pens, since it's a diurnal predator this time of year. They're secure at night, but gosh it's hard with the daytime predators. Sometimes 5 hawks come at a time in spring. 3 hawks as a team lifted our neighbors huge turkey up in the air....its like jurassic park around here.

 

[BantyHugger]

Standard Breeds Please.

TinyBirds- It was a free range pen. Our neighbors had reported a bobcat family near by about 2 months before the incident. We think she brought the young ones with her because they took all 6 in one night and there were only a few feathers left from the roo. We are improving coupe security before buying new chicks.

I like the look of Dorkings. Are they reliable layers? Also i found Salmon Faverolles which i like as well but im worried that will all the extra fluff they would get too hot in the Texas Sun?

 

[muddyhorse]

favarolli ( can't spell) should be fine. they lay well and are fairly gentle. some Easter Eggers could be fun they lay colored eggs. and come in every color.

 

[hcammack]

Faverolles would be good I know breeder in Florida and Texas and their birds do well. Melissa or Pasofinofarm on this website has Faverolles and is in Texas you should contact her for chicks.

Henry

 

[Gallusfarm]

How about Welsummers?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/breeds/welsummer/20455

 

[BantyHugger]

Id like Welsummers or marans if i can get some of good quality. Dark eggs would be cool but i know some hatcheries sell dark-eggers that end up producing nothing but regular colored brown eggs.