Hi,
I was wondering if someone out there can give me a bit of advice. I want to get two small chickens for my son. We have a completely enclosed, above ground pen (52 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 32 inches high). The pen is currently wrapped in 1/2" hardware cloth and has a shingled roof. The floor of the pen is about 42" off the ground. I will have to add a roosting box to it. The pen is not really big enough for large chickens so I would like to know what would be the best small breed laying hens to get for this pen. I would like to have two.
Thanks!
Chicken little
obviously bantams would be best. many large fowl just don't fare well under confinement. this is my first year with bantams, and we like [and have heard good things regarding laying manners] our cochins the best, they are fluffy and friendly.
however they are heavily feathered, so if your pen is not in the shade, you might do better with something else. my second choice would be bantam brahmas, in light or buff color. we have some of those too, and maybe if they had been held more they would not be aloof, they are really fun to watch!
here is a great place for pictures and info:
www.feathersite.com
you will get lots of suggestions here, and you can find all the breeds at the link above!
now if laying is not as important as personality, then i have to say whole heartedly to go with Old English Game! ours are fun loving pets!
good luck!
tf
I agree the cochins are great little birds. Very friendly and sweet. But they are heavily feathered. Ours has been a pretty good little layer.
Dutch Bantams are supposed to be very good layers--they are small, friendly--but they can fly so you would need to clip one wing. They aren't that easy to buy however. I haven't been able to find them at the usual hatcheries. There are suppose to be bantams of almost every standard breed including Australorps--does anyone know if the egglaying of the bantams of standard breeds is similar to the standard?
I'd recomend silkies. Mine are so friendly and love to be held and petted. One actually makes a purring noise and falls asleep on your lap. They are tiny, fluffy and easy keepers. Usually not too hard to find either.
Being a pet will probably take first priority, followed by laying eggs...we probably don't eat a 5 eggs a week anyway. We are in zone 7b and it was 100 here today. The pen has a roof and will be placed in the woods directly between our house and pole barn. I will look up the suggestions everyone mentioned above...the next issue will be where to find them locally. I am sure I could get them shipped but I think it is already too hot for that...
Most of the online shops require a minimum order of 10-25. I only need 2 :) Does anyone know o any hatcheries in Georgia that sell bantams...by the pair :) Thanks again!
I think your best bet would be to check around your area and see if there is a farmer who has bantams that might be willing to sell you a pair. Or, Craig's list, or petfinder if they are in your area. Also, check to see if there are animal auctions around you, they might have them.
GG
Considering that newborn chicks need to be kept VERY WARM, if you ordered babies they would probably be ok I would think. You might ask the company you plan to order from about that. I am not the expert here, but newborn chicks are supposed to be kept at 95 degrees I believe. It's getting chilled they worry about more than being too hot. However, we had 105 degree temps the other day and my chickens were hot and panting. I sprinkled them with the water hose, so yes, getting hot isn't good either.
Mine are just 7 weeks old now, and I am enjoying them so very much. I bought 25 silkies from Ideal Poultry. They are so precious. I thought I only wanted 5 chickens, but ended up ordering the 25. One died after it got here, and two were eaten by the neighbor cat. I was careless one day and not watching them closely enough. :( So now I have 22.
They are so awesome. I don't regret buying them one bit. Can't imagine life without them.
Karen
I did a "google" search for Poultry Breeders and put in your town name. Not knowing enough about the area, I wasn't sure how convenient it was to travel to different areas for you. But you might try it on your computer. Also, I have good results checking for things in my area by going to www.local.com. Another idea, you might contact your local Agriculture Agent, the local 4-H club (they have breeders of all types of farm animals & would surely know someone who could advise you on the best breed for your area :-)) Another idea might be to search for county/state fairs in your area. They usually have livestock shows. Its always a good place to meet breeders that are more than willing to tell you all you need to know as they are interested in the preservation of their particular bird/breed. Just some thoughts on where you might find info--oh and you might contact local veterinarian offices. I raise horses and our local large animal vet's office is FULL of info on good people to go to for breeding. :-) Good luck in your hunt! Also, having grown up on a farm, I agree the "banties" are a great breed to go with, small, affectionate(if handled a lot as babies)--oh and they think they're as big as german shepherds hahaha(short man's attitude? haha) The game hens also do well in the south (our farm was in Louisiana) and the "gamies" seemed to fair the heat well--they do fly, so if you add a little "yard" to your coop, you will want to trim a wing or make sure the top is closed in with chicken wire(this is also a good idea to prevent being scooped up by a hawk) The silkies are wonderful pets! They're seem to have the personality of adoring kittens--they love to be snuggled! :-)
craigslist or freecycle are good too. and feathersite.com has a small breeders/hatchery list by state. could be on ein driving distance...