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Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 4:35 pm
by Stellap
I have 7 silkie hens and 4 have been brooding almost all summer and 2 are too young to lay so that equals less than an egg a day. Any advice on what kind of hens would be good to add to go with them. I have one sex-linked and I kept her because she has crooked feet but the remainder went to a new home ... too agressive with my little girls. I have limited experience with other breeds ... need gentle girls. Appreciate any advice.

Re: Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 6:26 pm
by Farrier1987
They can all be aggressive to a point, its a chicken thing. But I like my Americauna/easter eggers. They also have a pea comb that does better here in winter than a leghorn or such.

Also, why does the map have you in Kakhstan? Are you really there? Zdrastvootyay, if you aare.

Re: Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2018 6:58 pm
by Jaye
Faverolles. A very gentle breed. In fact, it's recommended that they not be included in a mixed flock, because they get picked on, especially by breeds that tend to be more "pushy".

Re: Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 10:26 am
by Ontario Chick
@Jaye post made me think it can go the other way too, size has never really stopped some small birds picking on larger ones.
I admit I may be a bit partial, but Wyandotes have that, live and let live attitude.
I will have some extra Black Wyandotte pullets available if you are leaning that way, June 10 hatch, should start laying end of October beginning of November, will lay thru the winter until next year fall moult.
Just saying... ;)

Re: Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 11:14 am
by Kbr42
Both suggestions are great. If you just want laying hens red sex links are pretty easy going aswell. Love Faveralles, they are lots of fun.

Re: Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 10:11 pm
by KimChick
I'm still new to poultry, but this is my opinion of the birds that I have:
Black Sex-Links - were easy to pick up (got them as pullets) until the Red Sex-Links came along; not very smart (takes them a long time to learn routines); like to be with me when cultivating the garden (to get grubs, etc.); lay x-large eggs.
Red Sex-Links - adventurous and go a distance when free ranging, but eventually return; good layers; feisty; don't like being picked up; sleep in nesting boxes and leave poop.
ISA Browns or Red X (newly acquired, not sure of breed) - docile, social, venture afar when free ranging but eventually return, can learn routines.

They establish their pecking order like all birds and are eternal optimists when they see me come outside, toward their enclosure, hoping for treats or free ranging.

Re: Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 11:05 am
by Stellap
Thanks guys! Will certainly keep the wyondottes in mind.
No I'm in Lanark ... don't know why I'm showing up elsewhere. Will have to check it out.

Re: Adding hens to my brood

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 4:01 pm
by baronrenfrew
I have cream legbars (and mixes creams/buckeyes) and the hens are all easy going. I have bantam RIR’s in the same pen and the RIR’s boss the hens around.

Its a shame for me to butcher so I’ll be at the Renfrew BST on Sunday selling extras (or you flag me down now). I can deliver to Lanark.

(bantam