We wanted to be able to breed, reliably, without incubators or brooders. We wanted poultry that were placid, non destructive, not flighty and were good for both meat and eggs. We also wanted one that would lay in Winter without artificial light. Very few meet all our criteria but Buff Orpingtons do. We have spent the last few years working on our strain to return the breed to its intended utility origins (with great success). They suit us. I would love ducks & pigs as well, some coppiced woodland, a river, a few mire wild deer and rabbit......
