The Poultry Keeper

Clucky · Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 2182 Location: Shropshire

Woo Hoo, Hey Fenn Definitely world domination here! I got one of Fenn's golden Apps, called Fenny....she's looovvveeeellllllyyy Very Happy

Welcome fellow countyman

wolfen · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 1:48 pm Post subject: Appenzellers & Brabanters.

Hi,
I am interested in these breeds and would like to know if they are suitable for first time poultry keepers?
Are they very flighty or quite docile, would they be happy freeranging part of the day and kept in enclosed run for rest of the day?
Sorry for asking silly questions.
Sarah.

debcat · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 1:53 pm Post subject:

they are gorgeous, they are flighty though, mine free range with no problem, they are hardy - I was a bit worried about our bad weather when I got them but they do really well here

Chicken Lady · Joined: 11 Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Telford Shropshire

I have mine in an enclosed run, They are no trouble at all. I show mine and will be showing both a cock and a hen this weekend at the Malpas show.

I find that he is very active towards the ladies and have had 100% fertile eggs. When the hen lays she makes a lot of noise clucking away till the deed is done and they lay every other day. I have had my first hatch from them this year and expect a second hatch next week. I will keep the best for for showing next year and next years breeder stock. I will sell the surplus when they are 5 months old.

I do bath mine a week before a show, but they don't like this much, were as a silkie loves being bathed and blow dried with the hair dryer, the appenzella does not like the hair dryer so I pat him dry with a towel and let him dry naturally. Mind you he does like his feet being scrubbed with a tooth brush.

If they are handling from early on they can be very tame, Appenzella's are very graceful and look different, their two horn combs and punk hair style give them a special look, far from the norm, and yes, I think an appenzella would be good for a beginner. Although do note that the cock can be noisy with his crowing as he likes to let everyone know that he is the boss.

I would say go ahead and try appenzela's
Hope this helps

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 6972 Location: isle of lewis

i have a hen that totally freeranges she's about the freindlest chicken we have
if you walk up the garden with a spade she'll follow you everywhere
she likes to lay every day in the goathouse ,and often sits on my youngest knees ,
she's got really character

wolfen · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:09 am Post subject:

Thank you for all your helpful replies. I really like the look of this beautiful breed but are a bit concerned about their temperament.
I have a five year old and would like a docile and friendly breed that wouldn't mind being handled and not get upset by children.
Would they be easy to get back into the run? The garden has 6 ft high fencing, would they need to have their wings clipped?
Sorry for asking so many questions, also would i be able to find just hens as i have neighbors.
Thanks again for all your help.
Sarah.

CP · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:40 am Post subject:

Docile, friendly breeds include Barnevelders, Orpingtons & Pekins. Wink

Chicken Lady · Joined: 11 Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Telford Shropshire

If you are looking for docile and flightless, then a Silkie is best. They are placid bird, that don't fly and have a quite temperament. They are fluffy and come in bantam size. The white ones are a favorite with my grandchildren

regards
Lucy

wolfen · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 2:37 pm Post subject:

Hi Chicken Palace & Chicken Lady,
Thank you for your replies, I think i might have a orpington and a couple of appenzellers.
Would they get on, being different sizes? I might consider a pekin, don't think i would like a broody yet, being new to poultry.
Any advice would be most appreciated, thank you all for all your help to a complete novice Very Happy

Sarah.

Fenn · Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 2292 Location: Shrewsbury

Pekins aren't necessarily broodies - my Pekin lays daily and hasn't gone broody at all yet (she's a year old) Very Happy

If you want friendly birds that lay well and are good with kids I'd go for Pekins or Marans. Silkies are lovely, friendly birds, but don't lay much and are renowned for going broody.
Pekins are the number 1 choice for many families and it's easy to see why, they're gorgeous Very Happy

And they come in LOTS of colours Very Happy

My App is very flighty - she once took herself off over the fence and down the main road for a wander Shocked

I live in the middle of a housing estate and never expected to see her again, but she came trotting up the alley behind the house as it got dark Shocked

She's now known as the Homing Chicken Laughing

They're beautiful birds and you'd be absolutely fine looking after them, they're not difficult to keep.
But they might not be the best choice for kids - there's far friendlier breeds around.

That said, I adore my App - but I get my cuddles elsewhere Wink

jaydee67 · Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 9:37 pm Post subject:

Meet Apple

debcat · Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 9:43 pm Post subject:

she's gorgeous Very Happy

Chicken Lady · Joined: 11 Mar 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Telford Shropshire

My appenzellas can be flighty, but put them in a show cage and they are as good as gold, In the last 3 shows I took my prize pair to this month, they went into the RARE BREED class and 3 times my little girl got a 1st and he got two times 2nd's and a 3rd. Oh she also got Best rare breed. I am busy with their chicks at the moment 6 out and 6 more to come in a week or so. She lays everyday, but misses a day after a show, so I am resting her up till next month as she has had a busy few weeks with shows. I also show my silkies and they do well too.

I wish I knew how to post pictures of them as they are really lovely. I may put a link where you can go see their pictures.

Lucy xx

jaydee67 · Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 10:02 pm Post subject:

CP · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 2:20 am Post subject:

She's very pretty jaydee. Wink