In 2007 we brought our first 4 hybrid chickens from  a local breeder. Over the years, we have hatched Orpingtons, Marans, Light Sussex, Burford Browns and Legbars, with the result that the the flock has risen to around 18 ladies, some of whom are quite elderly and haven't laid for years, They are all kept in check by the bantam cockerel, aka Captain Mainwaring, who resembles his namesake in behaviour rather than appearance..