For the chicken lovers amongst us..

[harveydales]

Last week I bought myself 4 new point of lay hens - Bluebells again because they seem good natured, good layers and I thought perhaps my old Bluebells wouldn't notice if I introduced some new ones.

Normally I keep new hens separate for a while but this time I popped the new ones straight I with the old girls and they were all fine. The next morning I let them all out expecting to have a lot of trouble getting them back in at tea time. But they were no problem. They come to call, follow me around and are generally tame.

They even sneak into the kitchen if I'm not careful. This one came in while I was sat with my back to it watching TV, Ben sat next to me:

[Blackshadow Dales]

What a pretty hen! I have never heard of Blue bell here in NY. We have a few white leghorns and a few black sex-links. Very friendly thing isn't she?

[jaycee]

Goodness, that is tame! Perhaps you could train her to come indoors to lay an egg?

[tinkerdorisalison]

that's lovely Pam, but don't they poop all over !

[valerie n scout]

Wow need to look them up if they do the dishes too !

[dalesnfellfan]

I've never heard of bluebells either, I wish we could have chickens but they wouldn't last long with my dog Spook, next door have chickens and every time they have come through into our garden Spook has killed at least one, this has now happened 3 times, she is just so quick they are dead before I've even realised they're in the garden.

[Debbie]

I LOVED reading about your hens and seeing the photos. Look at how nonchalant she is My own Guinea hen held the same fascination with the tellie.

Are your Bluebells hybrid birds? I've tried finding the breed here in the US, but they seem to be a cross between Marans and Rhode Island Reds does the breed actually breed? Sorry for the questions, I'm just thinking of mules and wonder if that's the same for chickens? I've only ever had my Buff Orpingtons, but these are lovely girls

[harveydales]

Debbie, yes Bluebells are a cross of Rhode Islands with Marans. They can breed but wouldn't breed true, ie they's revert to varying extents to the parents. I'm really taken with this breed for their personality and friendliness although Leann on here has had Bluebells and found hers rather scatty.

[heathera]

We only ever had one Bluebell as they're hard to find up here but she was a lovely little thing. She was friendly and curious, layed well right into old age and lived with us until she was 6.5yrs old. She eventually keeled over in the night, we think from a heart attack.

[zeldalithgow]

You can get Bluebells here Heather www.edinburghchickens.com/page2.html

[heathera]

thanks Zelda, we may do a trip over later in the year.