Beezer
In the Brooder
I'm starting to research possible breeds for my future mini flock. A couple of concerns-
1) I'm looking for relatively calm and friendly birds. I'm in close quarters with my neighbors on a plot just over 1/4 acre.
2) I'm located in central Arkansas. We have moderate winters- it regularly goes below freezing but rarely *much* below and fairly brutal summers- temps around 100F are not too uncommon. My yard is very shady.
3) I'm a total chicken newbie. Are there some breeds that would be more tolerant of mistakes?
4) Looking for eggs, not meat, but I have a very small family. Even hens with mediocre productivity would probably be ok.
Some breeds I had seen and was considering were:
Black Austrolorp
New Hampshire
Barnevelder
Dominique
Barred Rock
Easter Egger
Delaware
There were a couple heavy breeds who looked to have great temperaments for Suburban living but I was worried wouldn't be able to tolerate an Arkansas summer or just might need someone with more experience.
Orpington
Wyandotte
Maran
Welsummer
I was leaning toward a mixed flock but am open to arguments for all one breed.
Anyone have any experience with these breeds in similar situations? Anyone want to make a case for their favorite? Or advise me against anyone? Sorry for the rambling post. Currently in the "madly gathering information" stage of this endeavor.
1) I'm looking for relatively calm and friendly birds. I'm in close quarters with my neighbors on a plot just over 1/4 acre.
2) I'm located in central Arkansas. We have moderate winters- it regularly goes below freezing but rarely *much* below and fairly brutal summers- temps around 100F are not too uncommon. My yard is very shady.
3) I'm a total chicken newbie. Are there some breeds that would be more tolerant of mistakes?
4) Looking for eggs, not meat, but I have a very small family. Even hens with mediocre productivity would probably be ok.
Some breeds I had seen and was considering were:
Black Austrolorp
New Hampshire
Barnevelder
Dominique
Barred Rock
Easter Egger
Delaware
There were a couple heavy breeds who looked to have great temperaments for Suburban living but I was worried wouldn't be able to tolerate an Arkansas summer or just might need someone with more experience.
Orpington
Wyandotte
Maran
Welsummer
I was leaning toward a mixed flock but am open to arguments for all one breed.
Anyone have any experience with these breeds in similar situations? Anyone want to make a case for their favorite? Or advise me against anyone? Sorry for the rambling post. Currently in the "madly gathering information" stage of this endeavor.