The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[GreatBreeder]

S&D is the company, but I decided not to get it.

 

[GreatBreeder]

I was thinking about 2 Appenzeller Spitzhauben, 2 Cornish Bantams, and 4 birds of 2 breeds that my 'co-chicken man' will choose. But I was wondering about one other breed that will make up the final 2 flock members.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't recommend mixing bantam breeds with standards as the bantam can end up bullied.

My appenzellers are flighty birds that lay sporadically, I personally won't get anymore and I often forget I have them. They roost 20 feet up in my shed rafters at night.

I haven't owned any Cornish so I can't say anything about them except they probably don't lay well.

What are you wanting your chickens for? Eggs? Meat? Looking at? Every breed has a purpose. Are you somewhere hot or cold which can dictate choices. Cochins suffer in the heat and light breeds like andalusian and leghorns can get frostbite in colder climates.

Are you wanting friendly birds? Birds that forage well? Birds that do well in confinement or smaller coops? Picking the right breeds for your set up and goals can help you avoid issues down the road.

 

[GreatBreeder]

Well I guess I will remove spitzhaubens from the list. Well, I live in Dallas, Texas, weather can get pretty hot. I need good, foraging egglayers. Cornish Bantams were just for show, they are much different than the typical Cornish Cross.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your typical dual purpose breeds tend to be good foragers, rocks, Wyandotte, australorps, among a few, and most a decent layers. Light breeds too are great foragers, but they are a bit standoffish, but most lay well and tolerate the heat better. I like my Ancona and andalusian.

Easter eggers are great so that's a good start, though some aren't reliable steady layers. Most I've owned were great their first season but fell off in production pretty rapidly after that.

I would be interested is seeing your Cornish down the road. Are they the dark Cornish?

 

[GreatBreeder]

Thank you so much for the advice. About the Cornish, I don't have them yet, but have found where to get them. Here is an image.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

When you do get some please share some photos. They are a different looking type of chicken aren't they.

 

[GreatBreeder]

Yes they are!
And once again, thanks for all the help!

 

[GreatBreeder]

I actually decided not to get those Cornish because they are bad layers, but I found a good brown layer. It's called the White Laced Red Cornish, even more unique and beautiful! Here's a pic.

 

[GreatBreeder]

Also that's just the image I could post. The one i'm buying is more definite in color and pattern goes all the way around the body. Better than the average Dark Cornish or Cornish cross to me!