The Poultry Keeper

Pete&Jackie · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 209 Location: Hertfordshire

We were going to buy some hybrids in a fortnight, but have found a local supplier of pure breeds and am about to take off and have a look, they have 16 week old Buff and Black Orpintons, Rhode Island Reds, Marans, Light Sussex and some more.... I am really tempted to go for these now... it's a nightmare, I have never changed my mind so much!! What should we do? Pure or Hybrid?? Confused

nigel · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 1:02 pm Post subject:

There is a lot to be said for both choices.

The hybrids will lay more eggs, ours on average lay 5-6 a week (we have bovans nera, whitestar and a bluebell). They may however only lay well for 2-3 years. They are bred to lay eggs and be hardy free ranging birds.

The pure breeds offer more variety, they lay less eggs around 4-5 a week, They do however carry on laying for longer often up to 4-5 years. Pure Breeds have varied temperaments. From friendly placid Buff Orpingtons to the more independant welsummer. Some are more robust and better free ranging birds than others.

I suppose you pays your money and takes your choice. For me well I keep both. I never was very good at making decisions.

mojo · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 1:05 pm Post subject: hi

just a thought ask to see egg colour before you buy after the chocolate colour of marans you may choose thenm but on the other hand a snow white egg may be your choice.............mojo Cool

.may tip the balance if you have too many to choose from .......goodluck.tell us your decision please

Pete&Jackie · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 209 Location: Hertfordshire

Guess what??? Changed our mind AGAIN!! We have been warned off the sellers above by 2 independent sources and now have a gentleman coming to the house next week with some Wynadotte's, he has Silver pencil, Blue/silver pencil, partridge, violet laced and Gold laced, should be interesting to see! Will probably do a mixture including hybrids... but hey, plenty of time to change our minds again.... and again.... Rolling Eyes

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

As others have said, it does rather depend on what you want in terms of egg production, egg colour or a pretty looking flock.

Personnally, I prefer the pure breeds and although I currently have 2 Isa Browns who lay an egg each everyday, they are going to a new home soon.

When I started hatching all mine from eggs, I decided that I would like a flock that all lay different coloured eggs so went for a mixture of breeds.

There is an excellent Excel File you can download http://www.kippengrabbelton.be/breeds/engrassen.xls (right click the link and save target as)
which give details of average size of the birds, weight of eggs, etc.

It's difficult to choose isn't it, with so many options.

Good Luck

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 8:16 pm Post subject:

How many birds did you say your house will hold? I think it's going to need an extension by next year! lol! Definately chicken addicts in the making! Wink

mojo · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 10:08 pm Post subject: hi

please dont think i am interfering but it is a good idea to go to the breeders then you can see what sort of setup he runs also you have an address for the future good or we hope not bad ....good luck..............mojo Cool

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

I agree with Mojo, better to go to the breeder rather than have them bring birds to you. The birds will be less stressed in their own home, than having been transported in boxes and you feeling put under pressure to have them any way. Also as Mojo says you get a chance to see how they're kept and how well they look.

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

What Mojo and Summayah said...plus...

You will also get the chance to pick out the best of each type that you want...rather than being given what he chooses to get rid of. Confused

Pete&Jackie · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 209 Location: Hertfordshire

The reason he gave for not wanting me to go where his birds are is because they are where his stock of game birds are, and I know they don't like people knowing where they are for obvious reasons. I am phoning him tomorrow and will ask him. He did say that he was only bringing some to show me but I could select from the stock rather than what he has. He is only 15 minutes away from where I live. He was also recommended to me by someone else who I trust.

I will be thorough in my questions tomorrow though and thanks for the advice.

While we are on the subject, can anyone fill me in on the temperament etc of Wynadottes please and anything else that might be helpful regarding them.

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Wynadottes are wonderful. I have the silver laced and the gold laced varieties.

Very calm. Big breed. Nice eggs. Comparable to orps in temperment. A breed I will continue to expand on.

stephen · Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 5:23 pm Post subject:

Our wyandottes are a lot more bouncy than Dusty the orp! Dusty wouldn't say boo to a goose (or a small robin, for that matter), whereas Ben the gold laced is a right show off!