such a thing?

[jasonbennett1]

Is there such a thing as a hen that has all of these characteristics?

-Small bodied (I have a relatively small coop 4' w by 7' l, 4' at highest, 2' at lowest with roosts with 1.5' clearance to roof)

-good layer

-kind nature (would like them to be friendly pets as well)

-common enough to be carried at or attained by local feed stores, etc.

any suggestions would be great!

 

[Teach97]

sure...brahma bantams, OEGB, lots!!! I would suggest one of each breed or possibly one dozen of each!

 

[shelleyd2008]

So far my best laying bantam has been an EE bantam. Her eggs are not too much smaller than a large store sized egg. But just about any bantam is good. There are some that lay better (or worse) than others.

 

[tiki244]

Those suggestions are both good, I dont have any of either of those breeds.

I have had good luck with Buff Orpington bantams, they are very sweet.

I have heard barred rock bantams are sweet and good layers.

Rhode Island Reds and leghorns(bantams) are both excellent layers but may or may not be so sweet.

The old english games and modern games are not very good layers.

 

[sandypaws]

i had a bantam ameracauna.. layed very pretty TINY blue eggs... she was so sweet,, loved her lots,, but she was so small and brave, she kept squeezing out of the coop, something got her,, but i do have a daughter of hers and she lays pretty blue eggs too..
very broody too

 

[farmerlor]

I like my Barred Rock. She's such a tiny little thing but I've seen other BRs and they seem larger so I think I just got a runt. She lays very consistently and is very sweet.

 

[sandypaws]

i have lotz of banties.. i love my OEGB too... and the bantie cochins (but i dont think they are "small bodied)
my frizzle is kinda cool but i only have a rooster.. so i cant tell you about the eggs...
i have some milliefleur d'Uccle... they are OK.. i like the OEGB better