Hedemora hens
We have chosen an old country breed – Hedemora hens – which are an engendered breed. We can’t say that we have them for the eggs, but really because they just live here. And then they lay eggs also.
They are beautiful and friendly and they don’t die too easily. (We had two big beautiful large Brahma hens once. One was taken almost immediately by a hawk, and the other was taken shortly afterwards by a mink.) But the Hedemora hens are watchful. And if there is any danger about they dive quickly under a currant bush.
As well as that, they have not forgotten how to brood, and they are excellent mothers when they get the chance.
We couldn’t resist even getting Appenzeller hens, because they are so nice, and African guinea hens, because they sound so strange and are crazy looking.