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what breed is best for me ?

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post #1 of 8

4/1/12 at 7:20pm

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greatpyraneese

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well,as the title states,what breed is best for me? I live in a state where we have cold and hot weather so they need to be weather hardy. I live in the country but i have two large dogs so there will be little to no free ranging(this is ok isn't it ? ). Also,weather or not the chicken breed is a good egg layer does not matter. I just want chickens for the company and entertainment. I have been doing my research but im just not sure and thought i could use some information from expirenced chicken owners.

thanks very much! This information is very much appreciated.

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post #2 of 8

4/1/12 at 8:04pm

JerseyGiantfolk

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You could try Jersey Giants! (If you don't mind big birds) Or Orpingtons.

You could also try bantams. Old English Game bantams seem to match your request.

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

post #3 of 8

4/1/12 at 8:09pm

Chicks on DL

Location: West Coast, Florida.
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My Orphington is sweet and funny. She made friends and was playing with a squirrel the other day. I could hardly believe my eyes.

Aspiring Urban Homesteader with 2 BR, 1 Golden Comet, and 1 Buff Orphington.

post #4 of 8

4/1/12 at 8:12pm

JerseyGiantfolk

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Really!? Aww

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicks on DL

My Orphington is sweet and funny. She made friends and was playing with a squirrel the other day. I could hardly believe my eyes.

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

post #5 of 8

4/1/12 at 9:50pm

Bullitt

Location: Texas
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Does the Jersey Giant do well in hot weather?

I know Orpingtons are not the best for hot weather, but they do well in cold weather.

Plymouth Rock, which has many varieties, is cold and heat tolerant, and these chickens are generally friendly.

Australorp is a breed that is good in hot or cold weather, and these chickens are generally friendly.

It just happens that Plymouth Rock and Australorp are good layers. What would you do with the eggs?

Here is some information on popular breeds:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/628129/most-popular-small-flock-chickens-resource-for-selecting-your-chickens

Edited by Bullitt - 4/1/12 at 9:54pm

Which chicken breed is the best for you?

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/628129/most-popular-small-flock-chickens-resource-for-selecting-your-chickens

Which chicken breed is the best for you?

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/628129/most-popular-small-flock-chickens-resource-for-selecting-your-chickens

post #6 of 8

4/2/12 at 10:59am

JerseyGiantfolk

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Bullitt has a good thread, I also recommend you too look at it!

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

It's the shape that makes the breed, and the color that makes the variety.

-- -- Spa Days for Chickens -- --

post #7 of 8

4/2/12 at 11:30am

Egghead_Jr

Location: Upper Conn. River Valley, NH
Joined: 10/2010
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Go with a fancy breed you like the looks of. For sheer confinement and ornamental there's always Silkie or Polish. For a large docile bird there is Cochin and Brahma. Brahma being the best layer (3-4/week) and largest of these. Might even do well with your dog.

Dark Brahma

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Dark_Brahma_hen%2C_Oregon.jpg/800px-Dark_Brahma_hen%2C_Oregon.jpg

There's so little to fear from hatching even chickens dare. In fact, it's so easy a turkey can do it.