The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[GreatBreeder]

Thank you so much! I will take the advice from you and oldhenlikesdogs to compile my flock, also did you see my pics of the white laced red Cornish that I'm going to buy. You said you like laced, these are fine layers with beautiful color

 

[Leahs Mom]

I did! I haven't seen them before. They have the appearance of a meat bird in the photos. Do you know anyone that has experience with them?

 

[Leahs Mom]

I have a single chocolate Orpington named cocoa, she lays alright, but takes a two to three month break during molt. They have a whole lotta feathers! English Orpington are pretty and sweet, fairly large too. Light brown eggs.

@Bantambird

Do you have the English too?

I've been wishing to find a large fowl breed that likes to brood. I was hoping the English or Jubilee might do the job but I get mixed reviews on the broodiness.

I think almost every egg layer is going to take the winter off after their first year. I don't use light as I like to give them the winter rest. My birds "usually" begin to lay again about the end of January or beginning of February.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Chickens hiding inside due to the turkeys out. Notice how the rooster is in the doorway keeping watch. You will notice another rooster out there watching too in the first photo.

@oldhenlikesdogs
What are the "speckled" or "flowered" chickens there on the left?

 

[GreatBreeder]

Well, I do not know anyone with experience with them. They are a rare and unique breed though. Could be used for meat or brown eggs.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Did you find somewhere to buy some?

 

[GreatBreeder]

I think I have made a final flock decision. 2 SFH as they are good foragers and fine layers with a nice look, 2 BR for egg production and they look good too, 2 andalausians and 2 anconas as they look good and are heat tolerant foragers w/ good eggs. The last two will be those beautiful Cornish. Next year I'm considering adding 5 Silver Appleyard ducks, as I hear they are a good breed and I would like to have some other fowl.

 

[GreatBreeder]

Feel free to object, you guys are way more experienced than me and you are very helpful. Thanks to all of you who helped me on the path to poultry keeping

 

[Bantambird]

@Bantambird


Do you have the English too?

I've been wishing to find a large fowl breed that likes to brood.  I was hoping the English or Jubilee might do the job but I get mixed reviews on the broodiness. 

I think almost every egg layer is going to take the winter off after their first year.  I don't use light as I like to give them the winter rest.  My birds "usually" begin to lay again about the end of January or beginning of February. 

Cocoa the English Orpington. She has been allowed to brood once, when she happened to go broody during breeding season, and I grafted 6 chicks to her. She was an excellent mom and didn't reject any, and was a good protector. Her massive amount of feathers meant she probably could brood way more if she would go broody again in the spring while I am hatching. I got her as a bonus egg when I ordered my cream legbars 4 years ago. My daughter plans on showing her in 4h this year, being as she's 8 now...

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

@oldhenlikesdogs

What are the "speckled" or "flowered" chickens there on the left?

The one in from is an Appenzeller, behind her is an Ancona hen.