Hello All,
We have spent some time researching the keeping of chickens (and are familiar with other birds), have a large coop and run under construction and are ready to start with two hens.
Our problem now is sourcing young sexed chickens of an appropriate breed -- and conflicting advice. We are looking for friendly birds to be kept as pets but would like the benefit of a decent layers.
We were set on bantams of a non-fancy breed (Plymouth Rock, Orpington etc.) but have had trouble finding someone who sells these relatively nearby. Moreover when we did find an experienced supplier we were warned off of bantams generally for their tendency to go broody and poor winter laying, rock hens for nastiness, and Orpingtons for not being friendly...
All this is rather contrary from other advice around the virtual world. We figured bantams might be the way to go for both our young child and for the fact they would get more room in our compact garden etc. What to do?
Thanks for any advice.
We have spent some time researching the keeping of chickens (and are familiar with other birds), have a large coop and run under construction and are ready to start with two hens.
Our problem now is sourcing young sexed chickens of an appropriate breed -- and conflicting advice. We are looking for friendly birds to be kept as pets but would like the benefit of a decent layers.
We were set on bantams of a non-fancy breed (Plymouth Rock, Orpington etc.) but have had trouble finding someone who sells these relatively nearby. Moreover when we did find an experienced supplier we were warned off of bantams generally for their tendency to go broody and poor winter laying, rock hens for nastiness, and Orpingtons for not being friendly...
All this is rather contrary from other advice around the virtual world. We figured bantams might be the way to go for both our young child and for the fact they would get more room in our compact garden etc. What to do?
Thanks for any advice.