what is a good "flighty"chicken breed-thanks guys-got it.

[Jake Levi]

Icelandics. The ability to range was an important trait, in a country with long winters and little available homestead grain to feed a flock. The breed was isolated from the 9th Century to the past one. Ranging ability is strong in them as is flying ability, they normally seek the highest place in a barn or coop to roost. I dont know of another breed that flys as well or ranges as well. Check the thread here for accounts on this.

 

[dinahmoe]

Quote:
i have ameraucanas and EE's but the problem is that they are so friendly and sweet that i have named them

i wanted some birds that i really wouldn't win me over(emotionaly) and that really don't want to have anything to do with me,except feed.that way when/if something happens to them ,i wouldn't have to cry for days.
i have several breeds now but i like them too much to take the chance of them free-ranging,but i love to see chickens running around the farm.
i have stock dogs so the only predator problem(hopefully) would be a hawk.

 

[dinahmoe]

Quote:
thanks,i'll check it out.

 

[dinahmoe]

here are 3 that were on my list-any thoughts or has anyone had these?
campines
egyptian Fsomethingornother
hamburgs

i am adding any other suggestions to it and doing my homework first ,so thanks guys.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Anconas - my AC is great at foraging and getting the heck out of dodge if there's a problem. Plus she's black with white spots - so she's like a chicken dalmation

And she's not too flighty to spend some time pecking my boots while looking for mealyworms which she comes running to get when I shake the container and yell "chick chick treats".

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Just a quick question,
Are you assuming that all gamefowl are mean, or do you have past experience with gamefowl breeds?

I have American Game and the hens can be just like any other breed of chicken, some will have a attitude and some will not.
Most of my American Game run loose with my hens with no real problems.

Chris

 

[aoxa]

Silver Spangled Hamburgs!

Beautiful, and flighty!

ETA: I have a mixed hamburg, and she's very fast, great at foraging, lays A LOT of eggs, etc..

She doesn't crave attention like the others, but since she's started laying, I can catch her a whole lot easier

 

[superchemicalgirl]

My turkens are free ranging freaks along with my easter eggers and blue andalusian and banty mix breed.

Turkens win, hands down in my case. I have one that free ranges over most of my 4 acres but always (thoughtfully and thankfully) stays on my property. She escapes the 6 foot fence daily as well, she's smart. The others are a bit lardier and don't get out on their own, but once out are fairly fearless. I've seen her chase cats out of my yard (which is just about the funniest thing to see) along with chipmunks and squirrels.

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

Is getting a rooster an option? They are great at protecting their flock.

 

[debs_flock]

Quote:
I was recently speaking with a poultry judge and he keeps his campine free range all the time. He says they are excellent foragers, get little to no commercial feed. He says they are very intelligent and able to avoid predation, excellent layers and beautiful to watch foraging about your yard.

Can you tell I'm getting some?

My other absolute favorite that fits your search would be lakenvelder (I'm still looking for them).

Deb