Today we went to a farm in Amersham which is about twenty miles from us, to look at some bantams. We had already decided that we wouldn’t bring any back with us today because we have now been asked to babysit our grandchildren aged four and one tomorrow afternoon at their house. Also next weekend is a long weekend as it’s May day bank holiday so this would be a good time to integrate new girls, as we would have more time to spend with them.
I have now discounted a wyndotte as they only had white ones. The thing I love about wyndottes is the pretty colours and especially the laced ones with different coloured edges to their feathers. I love the vorwerks and the brown leghorns are pretty too. The thing I am not sure of with the leghorns is that I have read that they can be loud and I have to bare in mind the neighbours. Also the brown leghorn is very similar looking to Bluebell and I wanted to add variety.
I did wonder whether to have two vorwerks and a brown leghorn so that I would be adding three to the existing three and would have three pairs of similar looking girls. My husband said his only concern with this is that they could be noisy (again thinking of the neighbours) so now I am thinking we may go for two vorwerks. The lady only had two vorwerks to sell (loads of brown leghorns) so I have asked her to reserve them for me.
I took some photos of them so that I could refer to them once back home.
Bantam brown leghorn on the bottom perch
Bantam vorwerk with the dark neck, centre of photo
It was hard not to bring them home today but it will give me a week to think about it. They were hatched late last summer so are just past point of lay. They mature slower when hatched late in the year (which I experienced with Dotty) and have just started laying. I liked the idea of younger ones but am thinking at this age they will probably integrate easier and can also have the same feed and treats so easier all round really.
I am excited but nervous as I am about to rock our girls world! I really hope that once they are used to the change they will be happier in a bigger flock.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
OOOOO, how exciting. I remember (silly me) thinking when I first bought my chickens that I’d have those 4 forever. And then things happen and you add more thinking you couldn’t possibly bond with any other chickens and then you do. Keep the photos coming.
I’m about 60% recovered from foot surgery and getting around quite well. And hubby is buying me a new camera for my Bday so watch out for lots more photos to come.
You are so spot on, I thought I would have my four girls forever then was shocked to lose Treacle when she was only ten months old. I then thought I should stay with three but things just haven’t seemed quite the same for the girls since then.
Sorry to hear you had to have surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery. I always check in on your blog so look forward to lots of photos from your new camera. My birthday is also coming up, something else in common!
Funnily enough the camera I am using is one I bought for my husbands birthday about six years ago but he never got the hang of using it and it didn’t get used until I started my blog a year ago. I think it’s sort of become my camera now!
Go on get 3. You know you want to!
I don’t think one extra hen could make that much noise could it? Besides, everyone loves some nice soothing chicken noises!
BOCK BOCK!
We just have new neighbours one side and now the other side has finally sold so I am wary of upsetting any new people. It is tempting though! I am going to mull it over for the coming week.
Don’t worry about them – you were here first!
To be honest the chickens are far away from the house and I don’t think they are that noisy. In fact: why not get 4? Or maybe 5?!
😉
I think you are getting carried away now. They all have to share one coop and nest box plus think how much poop and all those eggs!
Well you have finally decided and what an adventure and challenge! Adding new girls certainly adds to the day and will keep you on your toes .You will love them you are obviously a “chicken lady”.I will expect an invite ASAP when they are settled just to give my valued opinion of course . 🙂
As for neighbours as it has already been said you were there first and their house comes with an add on .
Jackie, you can come and visit as soon as you like. I will be dying to show them to you and always value your opinion.
I have been thinking about this ever since we lost Treacle, now two and a half months ago. It’s actually a relief to have made a decision although I have warned Richard the drama may now really get started. He thinks I can cope with it. He also says if it doesn’t work out we can take them back, you and I know that is never going to happen! Some things he doesn’t quite get!!
Take them back! Lost for words.
I know, that was my thoughts exactly. I thought “surely you know me better than that or is it just wishful thinking!” Never going to happen is it?