Author Topic: Barnevelders and Flaverolles (Read 2302 times)

in the hills · « **on:** April 29, 2017, 06:30:09 pm »

My daughter has been pondering which breed of chicken to try next. She

hens!

Anyone kept either of these breeds?

Are they hardy? Any good for the Welsh hills?

Good layers?

Womble · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2017, 09:35:06 pm »

We have some Barnevelders. They lay well enough for being pure breeds, and are really pretty too. Ours have coped fine with the last few winters in the Scottish hills, so if your daughter fancies giving them a go, I certainly wouldn't try to dissuade her!

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2017, 11:38:34 am »

Barnevelders have done well on our Herefordshire hilltop. Faverolles are slower to mature and, being fluffier (a bit like an Orpington) tend to get blown about a bit, which they really don't like.

in the hills · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2017, 09:07:03 am »

Mmmmm, she really wants the Flaverolles!

She thinks that they can be sexed by about 5 weeks so would like some chicks.

Seems they are quite tame usually and enjoy a cuddle.

May have to build them a shelter!

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2017, 10:57:11 am »

If they run the Ross-on-Wye rare breeds sale at the beginning of June (as I understand it, poultry sales are still having to ask DEFRA for a licence because of avian 'flu) you may well find some good examples there.

in the hills · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2017, 03:06:38 pm »

Thanks MF.

You don't happen to know anywhere in Shropshire/ MidWales area that has or will be having any Brown Leghorn pullets available any time soon?

My father wants 3 or 4 but can't find anywhere that breeds them!

He's been a bit disappointed with his last couple of lots of hybrids and wanted to try Leghorns.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2017, 03:18:31 pm »

I don't know of anyone keeping them, alas.

in the hills · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2017, 03:27:30 pm »

Thanks MF, will keep looking for him.

I'd have thought that they would have been quite a popular breed

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2017, 07:30:23 pm »

I suspect the Brown Leghorn may have been used extensively in the creation of modern commercial breeds, being a very good layer, but I've not come across anyone breeding BL's pure.