Ornamental hens. Which breeds to welcome in the garden?

Ornamental hens are popular. So, I’m taking you today to discover some of the most interesting breeds for their look or the color of their eggs.

Not all hens lay eggs as seen in commercial trays. There are azure-blue or blue-green eggs like those of the Araucana, a breed native to South America.

And then there are the chocolate-colored eggs, from the Marans hen and the all-whites from the Leghorn. We also see persimmon eggs arriving but they are still rare. A single constant: the inside of the egg does not change: it is always white and yolk.

Mickael Dubost is a breeder in Ain. He specializes in ornamental hens. He particularly likes the crested Dutch hen and the Padua:

“The Dutch is a crested hen of which there is also a dwarf version. Its particularity is its large pompom on the head, which is always white, whatever the color of its plumage. The Padua looks a lot like it, c “Is one of her cousins. At her home, the plumage at the edging and the crest are the same color. She is a hen often selected for poultry competitions.”

Only drawback with these hens: the feathers that hide their eyes. It would almost be necessary to put scrunchies on them so that they can see clearly. Moreover, their pompom is shortened when they are integrated into a henhouse, because the hens already present are happy to box them without them being able to defend themselves.

There are also breeds with very few feathers like the English Fighter, a much friendlier bird than its name might suggest.

“Roosters and hens of this breed are not vicious at all, absolutely not aggressive. They are handsome poultry with large legs, few muscles and a lot of muscle. They can be found to look like moorhens or They are really very familiar, friendly animals, which is rare in a henhouse…”

Other chicken breeds that are easy to breed: the Sabelpoot, a small, slender hen with large feathers on its legs. I also recommend the Pekin, a good layer and good character, and the Brahma, a large feathered casserole that can lay up to 170 eggs a year.

On the other hand, if you buy Sebright, make sure they are hens and not roosters. I speak to you from experience. The males are little cheats on legs waiting for your back to be turned to attack your calves…