The Poultry Keeper

mschick · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 20 Location: north east

Hi

I know this question has probably been asked lots of times before but could someone advise me on what breed of chicken I should get as a first timer Wink

I have never had chickens before and would like to keep them as pets and for eggs. They will be kept in my back garden with some of the day free range and some of the day in a run. I have read lots of info about the various breeds but I'm more confused than ever now Rolling Eyes

Any advice gratefully received Very Happy

crazypianolady · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 765 Location: Nottinghamshire

Welcome to the forum!

I got my first chickens in January, after similar deliberations! I now have six hybrids rather than pure breeds, and all have different feather colours and markings, making a very pretty little flock. At the moment I'm getting six eggs almost every day.

I keep mine in much the same way you intend keeping yours, in the run until they've laid, then free range. A note of caution - they will totally trash any plants they like the taste of unless you fence the plants off!!

Wink

Phill · Joined: 16 Mar 2008 Posts: 154 Location: Essex

Brahma's?

Most books will say that Brhama are quite for first timers and are free rangers due their size and their friendly repuation make them good around children. They are known as the Gentle Giants for their size and are good layers, hardy and arn't used for meet due to their skin colour being yellow.

I keep Polands ive had chooks before but the Poland was my first real breed I Kept. They are hardy despite what people say about them but don't make good free range birds unless your around to watch them due their vission being not so good because of their funky crests. People also say their crests are prone to mites but ive not had any problems yet. Ive got two Polands and they ley an egg each every other day which [rpovides enough for me, my family other family members and friends of the family. Polands have fantastic personalities are really friendly especially if you handle them from day one. Polands make really good pets and are really entertaining to watch ^_^

They can be quite tricky to get a hold of depending where you live o.0

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

I think the best option for a first time chicken keeper are hybrids Smile

you get lots of eggs, there hardy and theres loads to chose from!

Hen-Gen · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 5:36 pm Post subject:

As always, mschick, two questions.
1) Do you want birds that go broody so you can hatch eggs or would you rather have birds that don't go broody and thereby save a lot of inconveniance.
2) What colour eggshells do you want (dark brown, biege, white or blue)?

Welsh Duck · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:31 pm Post subject:

If you just want a few hens for the garden, then I would choose hybrids as they lay a lot more than pure breds. If you want to breed a few birds then go for pure breeds.

mschick · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 20 Location: north east

Thanks for the replies everyone Very Happy

mojo · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject:

choose hybrids in the colours you like best

Hen-Gen · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 8:29 pm Post subject:

Black Rocks are a good hybrid that lays brown eggs.

chickenlips · Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 8 Location: Camberley, Surrey

I was also a first timer, I went for a Rhode Island Red, Maran, Blackrock, French Wheatan Maran, & a Silverneck.

All great birds, nice varied egg basket, I gave them a slighlty luxurious house and and a larger than recommended run, I let them free range most of the day.

In short the are great, easy to look after, lots of eggs and fun.

mschick · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 20 Location: north east

Thanks Guys, very helpful advice, much appreciated Very Happy

mojo · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 2:34 pm Post subject:

dont forget to let us know what you decide..........we are all nosey here regarding chickens