the best all round breed is.. new hamp red (or french maran)

[ralphwaldo]

After literally months of research I have decreed that the best chicken breed ever is... the new hampshire red

Eggs- 6.5 per week (and huge too)
temperament- 10/10
beauty- 8/10

the runner up is... the french copper maran

Eggs 6.1 per week
temperament- (7/10) aloof but non destructive
beauty- 9/10

comments please

 

[Illia]

GORGEOUS New Hampshire you have there. . . Is she of Show Quality stock?

I would much agree with you except in egg size, it depends on what lines of Marans you have, for one thing Bev Davis lines give HUGE eggs.

But otherwise, yes, even my hatchery New Hampshire has the best temperament, great body mass and weight (even for hatchery stock) and lays almost every day.

 

[joletabey]

I was going to argue till I saw your pictures. That is a splendid NHR- I don't think I have seen a prettier one- of course I have only ever seen pictures, but still. . . .wow!

 

[upthecreek]

New Hampshire Red is a beautiful productive Bird !!!

 

[TACEYPERKINS]

Both are really nice birds you have there. Wanted to know where you got your Marans hen from? That is amazing that she lays so much. And what is her egg color like?

 

[ralphwaldo]

The maran came from a lcoal vet at Mansfield woodhouse who keeps many breeds- the egg colour is shown in the small picture athe side- its quite dark, sometimes speckled

 

[DavidCameron]

Your NHR is a fantastic looking bird. Do you show it?

 

[ralphwaldo]

Thanks Mr Cameron, perhaps poultry keeping is something you could undertake after MAy the 6th when you have a little more time.

 

[RAREROO]

I also wanted to say that you have some beauiful hens there, but I see you are in England so of course you would have amazing birds, our US birds aren't as nice.

 

[Illia]

Quote:
Ooooh THAT would explain everything now!