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

[Johnn]

my jack russel went after my hens today and my ancona was well out the way before he even noticed she had left the spot, they are really good layers to, really nice white eggs

 

[galanie]

You know, games are not mean to humans. That is a trait that is bred out of them. Handlers don't want roosters that attack owners, just other roosters.

Another thing, hawks completely ignore my Orps. One tried to get them once, after that they pass over w/out giving them a second glance. A 10 pound + rooster tends to make a hawk look pretty small.

You've got some great suggestions for good free range birds and I won't argue with any of them, just wanted to try to clear up any misconception.

 

[BlazeJester]

Ancona. I can hardly lay a hand on mine and she's too smart to be tricked into being caught. Good on any hawk that can lay talon on that pullet.

 

[silkielover5]

Egyption Fayoumi!!!! they are very fast to mature, and the judge at my show desribed the breed as loco

i have to agree. they are very very wild great for free ranging. males start to crow at 6 weeks and hens lay at 3 months. they are also resenent to many viral and bacterial infections. i have 2 a rooster and hen i love them!

 

[dinahmoe]

thanks guys

i think i have my list together.
i am ordering a box of free-range chicks next spring to include-so far:
ancona
egyptian fayoumi
campines
brown legherns
hamburgs
lakenvelders

i am going to get 5 of each and see who does the best.
i have a feeling opening this box of chicks will be like opening a box of crickets.

 

[chickendales]

Quote:
if order them now theyed be ready to free range by spring

 

[Johnn]

I think you should get them now to so they ahve more time to be out and about next year

 

[Pony Trotsky]

Hey, please keep us updated! I'd love to hear how the experiment turns out.

 

[dinahmoe]

i can't order them now,hatcheries are sold out till 2012.
it should be fun to watch.

 

[EggyErin]

I think you're right about the crickets.

This should be a fun experiment. You have plenty of time to think up lots of flighty names.