On Saturday we picked up our first two hens. Two Wyandottes, one Silver Laced and one Gold Laced. As we are not going to eat them I decided to name them - I'm told it's not a good idea to name anything you intend to pop in the pot! Neither girl is perfect for showing but that makes them perfect for me. What I want is to have beautiful birds that eventually will free-range on part of our property - with eggs as a great bonus. There may even be some eggs to spare - some breeds lay more than others. Up to now the hens haven't ventured out of the coop into the run. It will take a few days to get used to the new surroundings but they are eating, clucking and getting used to me bit by bit. I encourage them with a little 'scratch' [a mix of whole grains] which is rather like candy to them. I need to make friends with the hens - not only because it's fun but also because I need to handle them to check that they are well etc. Sylvia and Adeline also don't seem keen on the perches but cuddle together in a corner at night - perhaps they prefer it that way - time will tell. They are both big hens so perhaps it is more comfortable on the floor.
In a week or so I'm getting four more hens to join Sylvia and Adeline. Two Light Sussex, one Buff Orpington and one true coloured Rhode Island Red - very dark unlike the commercial hens.
This is all really exciting. I'm looking forward to it all!
4 Comments
Gillian
5/1/2013 02:24:34 pm
Hi Shelle and Shauna,
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