CHICKEN LOVERS I need your help......

[WishIWasAWalton]

I am purchasing my first chickens tomorrow, can anyone recommend a breed that doesnt fly too high/decimate my garden?

WIWAW - where are you in the country? (You don't need to be specific!) - there are loads of really good suppliers/breeders who would probably give you better back up. I've heard loads of bad stories about markets - chickens with problems you can't see on a quick look - and as you're a first time chicken owner I'd really suggest you try a breeder! Markets can be absolutely notorious for selling duff chickens!

I'm happy to look out some breeders for you, if you give me an idea of what area to look in! It's worth finding out a little about breeders as some have a less than good reputation, but there is loads of info on the web about them!

I'm in Ireland (SE) TS. Do you know of any over here?

Will do some searching around!

ooh Thanks

Just thought I'd add a bit to this. In general soft feathered chooks (orpingtons, silkies, cochins etc) fly much less than hard feathered breeds, and chooks with feathery feet are much less destructive.

I have some barbu d'uccle bantams that don't fly at all if they can help it and never dig up the garden (though Fabien the cock does love snipping off flower heads with his beak). I also have some sebright bantams who are extremely flighty, can fly very high and dig for Britain. That said, they could fly out of the (walled) garden if they wanted but don't. HTH and good luck with whatever you decide.

We have orpingtons, silkies and cochins too - lovely birds all....they have such sweet natures and always follow you about to see what you are up to! The orpingtons are very good layers.
Barbu d'uccle...sigh. I LOVED my one but something 'got'her. Wonderful little hens.
I'm going to add that my garden is my life and obsession but the hens do not decimate it yet are completely free range. I fence off bits that have been sown but the hens are great for breaking down freshly dug soil.
The geese however ram raided the broccoli.

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