hyline or isa brown?

peachie · **Joined:** Wed May 26, 2010 4:29 pm **Posts:** 4

I am just starting out and would like to know
What the difference is between hyline & isa brown
Which would be the best one for eggs
Which is the less maintenance
Which one can handle cold weather well

I know thats a lot of questions but I did a msn & google search and zip come up well apart from this site that is
Thanks for helping a complete novice

Stt · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:01 pm **Posts:** 3006

They are basicly the same

MariaCreeksPoultry · **Posted:** Wed May 26, 2010 8:00 pm

Have you considered by purebred poultry? Their laying lifespan is much longer than either an Isa or a Hyline.

Blue Laced Dottes · **Joined:** Wed May 26, 2010 3:29 pm **Posts:** 10

My thoughts are if you’re going to feed chooks then you might as well feed good ones I think MariaCreeksPoultry is on the right track

Fowljoke · **Joined:** Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:38 pm **Posts:** 84

Ooh but I love my ISAs! We are new to chickens too and they are lovely. All chickens are I think.

We bought our girls at the same time as buying some guinea fowl. They were all babies and we are yet to enjoy their eggs. They probably won't lay until spring. And the guinea fowl-well they were so little it was not possible for us to know their sex. But they are really growing into strong protectors of the isas. THEY are amazing too. But best bought when keets so you run the risk of not knowing their gender.

I tried to introduce another chook, a leghorn x Hampshire, but that was not successful. She ended up dying, I think from rejection as the others were and still are healthy and robust.

I like the idea of experimenting with another breed, but for our little posse we need to be careful. They are very tough. Well the guineas are I think and they will not allow any interruptions or threats to their ISA 'bretheran'.

I am NO expert, but I really think ISAs are cool and kinda overlooked. I am learning that it's because of breeding expertise etc that is very admirable and in fact I am in awe of that, but for a regular chook to lay eggs, I would imagine ISAs are good enough. The wonderful thing about this site is that there are many interesting, knowledgable and generous subscribers who can offer you insight on the more 'well bred' poultry. I put that in quotation marks because I am being a bit PC to my girls!!!

I think it's marvellous there are so many varieties to research and decide upon. I think ISAs are a good starting point, to get your training wheels going, and then have a look around for breeds that suit your home climate, family and physical backyard layout. Not to mention your own time commitments.

We have had our ISAs now for probably close to four months and they are full of personality. I do recommend getting them young if you can, simply so they become very used to being handled and fed by you as soon as possible. But it's not essential, more of a luxury.

But really, any chook is good. They are all beauties. And the most important thing is, you will not regret them. That is guaranteed!
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bunyanuternie · **Joined:** Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:31 pm **Posts:** 2903

I strongly agree with supporting a purebreed breeder ,everything is about Mass production and supporting Hybridisation whether it be plants or animals is ultimately aimed at 'Productivity' with little regard to the Animals . ie an Animal that lays massive amounts of eggs but has a very short lifespan ... There are many many Oldbreeds and Purebreeds available out there , that although may not be as productive as there Hybrid counterparts will be far more productive in longevity , I currently have a Sussex that is 8 years old and still lays most days . There are some lovely natured Oldbreeds and purebreeds out there that make wonderfull companion fowl as well as keeping food on the table .
I have had hybrids myself and used to get a regular supply of 'culls' from a local battery farm (all Lohmans) thinking I was giving them an extended life and helping them . When I read a thread by 'Byhookorchook' and realised my energy would be better spent encouraging people to Oldbreeds rather than supporting Hybridisation (Thanks Frank) .

The difference between a 'Hyline' , 'Isa' or a 'Lohman' are very little ,they are all Hybrids that are 'designed' to lay a huge amount of eggs in a very short life-span , However.... The difference between an 'Hyline' and a Brown Leghorn are amazing . Even if you can't keep a rooster and can't help maintain our Oldbreeds, I encourage everyone to seek out a local Purebreeder and support them by buying a few hens off then now and then , They are more interested in there animals than productivity and are a wealth of information when it comes to keeping poultry for eggs .

julie at serenity · **Posted:** Thu May 27, 2010 8:30 am

well said,Bunyanut...I still have a few very old red hybrids .....but would prefer a purebreed anyday, having said that, even some of the backyard cross breds make good layers (don't forget hybrid vigour), and true if you are going to feed a chook, you may as well feed a good one...but it is hard on the pocket when they suddenly die :shock:

Fluffy_Feet · **Posted:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:37 am

Strongly agree with Bunyanut, the hyline's productivity in the long run is nothing compared to a purebred.

peachie · **Joined:** Wed May 26, 2010 4:29 pm **Posts:** 4

Ok thank you so which pure bred lays the same number of eggs as hyline or isa brown

LOOLOO · **Posted:** Thu May 27, 2010 6:42 pm

What about Australorps

Heres the link to the best Topic on the internet about them viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5042

LooLoo

AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

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