Trying to find the best chicken breed for our family, help!!!

[Caladrius]

I am trying to find the best breed possible for my family, and I need some help. I put a list of characteristics this breed would need.


1.) something with at least some heat tolerance

2.) a good egg layer

3.) something that is laid-back/calm(like an Orpington)

 

[Ridgerunner]

You can go through these breed selectors to try to narrow it down, but your last two criteria are going to depend a lot on the individual chicken as much if not more than breed. Still, looking for a docile breed that takes confinement well is probably your best bet.

Breed Selectors

http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chick_selector.html

Another option is to go through Henderson’s Breed Chart to see the characteristics they guess at, then go to Feathersite to look at photos.

Henderson’s Breed Chart
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

Feathersite
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html#Chickens