Need Help Choosing A Breed?!?!?

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JacksHomestead

JacksHomestead

Chirping
Jul 29, 2015
109
7
69
Huntsville AL,
OK i'm starting my first backyard flock next spring,ill be getting 3 hens but cant choose a breed.
I would want them to be a good egg layer and have a nice personality!
So with those traits I have narrowed it down to 3 breeds but need help choosing one, or should it be a mixed flock.
-Buff Orpington
-Black Australorp
-Barred Rock
Open to any and all thoughts on this!!

Thanks for the help -JacksHomestead
 
Those are all nice breeds. Personally, I love having a mixed flock, so I'd recommend one of each. Some other choices to consider:

Easter egger - They are a bit smaller than the breeds you have listed, and they lay pretty blue-green eggs. Their rate of lay is not as predictable as it is for other breeds, as they are a mixed breed. I have one that lays 6-7 eggs/week, but just culled another one that was a poor layer.

Dominique - very similar feathering as barred rock, but about 1 pound smaller; they have a rose comb; very friendly and curious.

I'm moving away from buff orpington's as they tend to be larger that other dual-purpose breeds (= more feed consumption), and don't lay as well as barred rocks. However, they are pretty.

Best of luck to you!
 
My 3 choices are barred rocks, Rhode Island Reds, & Sex-links (red or black)... all hardy,
good layers.
 
If you want eggs galore, go for the sex links. If you want variety, get one of each of the egg laying breeds. RIR, Sex Link and Australorps are all good choices from my experience.
 
Barred Rocks are very active and vocal. They are always looking for things to get into and can get bored easily. While they are very fun and enjoyable personalities, they would probably not be a good choice if space is an issue. My black Australorps are very mellow and are quite happy to spend their day relaxing in a dust bath in the shade.
 
We just started our flock this spring. We have barred rocks, a RIR, a black Australorp and a Brahma hen. The barred rocks hav a lot of personality, the Australorp is very mellow. I've read good things about the friendliness of buff orpingtons too. I vote one of each.
 
There are so many choices!!! If you live in a very hot climate, pick breeds that can handle the heat. If you are north, smaller combs help. For maximum egg production, Leghorns and sex-link hybrids are terrific. For an interesting egg basket, Easter Eggers, Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, Australorps, Welsummers, Black Copper Marans are a good blend. For very friendly, Speckled Sussex. For mild and gentle, Salmon Favorelles. For a good chart, Henderson's. For pictures of everything, feathersite.com. Enjoy! Mary
 

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