Daydream thread continues.....

Itismehonest

I had some of the small bantam type, rozee. They were perfectly OK with the visitors children & would rather skidaddle than confront. It was usually the kids that needed watching so they don't hurt the birds/animals.

I think that any bird/animal, even the most docile, is capable of having off days so there are never guarantees. It's more a case of earning mutual respect & trust than anything else. That goes for any human with any animal or bird.

COOLTRIKERCHICK

Alfie.... lol.... main thing is you didnt hurt your butt when it got splattered with the mud..

Rozee.

I personally find game birds a bit 'flighty' so to speak....and as you have very little people, then it might be wise to keep them in mind for when they are older, or are used to chickens..
But someone else might say something different, Also don't forget that you can get rouge birds in all breeds. Game birds dont lay as many eggs per year as hybred etc

Davesnave

rozeepozee wrote: »

Looking at chicken and duck housing again. I quite liked the idea of Old English Game for their self sufficiency, but then I saw this http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Old-English-Game-B78.aspx. Do you think they'll tolerate the children, or would I be better with a more "docile" breed?

I'm sure if you avoid having a c0ckerel the kids will be fine. As you know, Old English Game will fly out of just about any run, but it sounds as if you intend to allow them freedom to roam. Not sure how easy it is to find the eggs when they do that!

Ours are all 'tame' varieties. Most of them could fly out of the run if they wanted to, but they have no spirit of adventure.

rozeepozee

Thanks for the replies, guys. I think I'm just going to have to suck it and see. I'm sort of thinking along the lines of a trio of one pedigree breed (although I may start out with two hens) and perhaps some ducks... I'm going to get some housing sorted out first and then research until springtime. There are lots of offers on at the moment as far as housing is concerned. I'm going along the cheap and cheerful route first. Once the house is sorted, OH should be able to build the Cluckingham Palace he seems to have plans for......

alfie_1

rozeepozee wrote: »

Alf! Wasn't it you who had Old English Game? Can you help me with my query above pur-lease?

yes i had OEG. i built up a breed line crossed with the magic formula
but wouldnt advise as a 1st to have.....elusive, bright, savvy......
the point being they DO look after themselves with regards being tough BUT not any good if kids want to pet them.... way too fiesty.

i personally had big cochin for my son when he was 4/5yrs old. they are so funny and friendly, especially if from young. lay good big eggs. will need secure housing as most do not display a talent for moving fast/agilely :rotfl::rotfl:

rozeepozee

I think OH has ideas something along these lines http://www.framebow.co.uk/-chicken-coop-fearnley.html

lostinrates

I am with Alfie on Cochins. They are such wonderful birds. I really, really miss mine now I don't have any. Very easy going, easy to find nice correct birds, plus......they are too heavy to fly so easier to keep in! I found they lay well onto old age, and mine stayed well with few problems.

I want some Cochins again thios spring.

rozeepozee

alfie_1 wrote: »

yes i had OEG. i built up a breed line crossed with the magic formula
but wouldnt advise as a 1st to have.....elusive, bright, savvy......
the point being they DO look after themselves with regards being tough BUT not any good if kids want to pet them.... way too fiesty.

i personally had big cochin for my son when he was 4/5yrs old. they are so funny and friendly, especially if from young. lay good big eggs. will need secure housing as most do not display a talent for moving fast/agilely :rotfl::rotfl:

Cochin... hokey cokey....

alfie_1

rozeepozee wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, guys. I think I'm just going to have to suck it and see. I'm sort of thinking along the lines of a trio of one pedigree breed (although I may start out with two hens) and perhaps some ducks... I'm going to get some housing sorted out first and then research until springtime. There are lots of offers on at the moment as far as housing is concerned. I'm going along the cheap and cheerful route first. Once the house is sorted, OH should be able to build the Cluckingham Palace he seems to have plans for......

look out for a secondhand shed rozee..... you can make a pop hole [yr talented tool loving OH anyway ] put in some boxes for eggs, perches etc. thing is ...its bigger, easier and cheaper than half the "chicken" houses on offer. plus later on if you change tac, you can use the shed for something else ??

we have second hand sheds here up to £100 for a 6x4 or 6x8.
i got mine free cos i saw them taking it down and stopped and asked

lostinrates

rozeepozee wrote: »

Cochin... hokey cokey....

Plus come in lots of colours, so you can get one of each so it's easy to tell them apart with no leg rings.:D. Much more fun for the kids.

They go broody quite easily, but are sweet birds.