I have four ISA Brown laying hens. I believe they are a hybrid of Rhode Island Red and White leghorn. They are 9 months old so well established as a group.
Tania--Adding the most beautiful and docile bird to your established flock will likely bring tears and frustration. A "new kid on the block" will be not only unappreciated by your present birds, but just plain NOT WELCOME. Better to be happy with your hens and unless you have separate facilities for the new ones, plan a mixed flock, obtained at the same age, when you replace these hens. Yes, they will only lay well for a couple of years. Good luck, CJR
I am having a larger coop built with a view to increasing my flock to eight. I've read that Black Rocks (hybrid of Rhode Island Red and Barred Plymouth Rocks) are good and docile, and I thought would be a nice cosmetic contrast to my brown hens. The advice given to me by the Domestic Fowl Trust is to choose hens of a similar size for mixed flocks.
Are Black Rocks very much larger? My next door neighbour has a Black Orpington and my hens are about two thirds the size of that.
Failing Black Rocks as suitable, has anyone any ideas for a suitable breed? It's got to be reasonably docile (children friendly) and a fairly good layer (I like my chickens to earn their keep!)
I know someone will help me, so thanks in advance.
Tania
By Cjeanr on Wednesday, July 21, 1999 - 12:51 pm: