#1 Recommended breed to new keeper?

[Henrik Petersson]

Red sex links.

They are some of the healthiest, some of the most social, the funniest, lay tons of eggs, a good size, and don't go broody.

 

[dlgower]

Easter Eggers first very sweet birds. The Salmon Favorelles also sweet.

 

[Riverdog]

I'm really fond of my ISA Browns. They're outstanding layers summer or winter, very hardy and tolerate cold weather well. Very friendly, don't fly much and not broody.

 

[Radena]

Hybred! Sexlink, redstars, princess calico, ect..

 

[PeepersMama]

If I was leaning more toward a productive flock, black sex-links. We got four of those when we first started with chickens, and the last one is five years old and still out-laying the younger kids. She's the queen and she knows it - the rest of them were super sassy, and super fat.

If I was looking more for pets.... Heck lemme rank them.
1. Bielefelders (expensive but so worth it)
2. Brahmas, best lap chickens I've ever had to this day
3. EEs - they're really flighty unless you're super gentle with them as chicks, but all of mine are angels.
4. Cochin bantams - they're surprisingly good layers

 

[Savager]

Everyones goals are different. What cimate, what the flock was lost to and much more come into play.

I like hearty, active birds that are calm and lay well. My favorite breed is the Black Australorp although many breeds would "fit". I have had very good luck with my Aussies.

This year was my first flock of chickens, all black Australorps. Love them, very friendly and good layers.

 

[Savager]

Was thinking about possibly adding a couple more birds in the spring, anyone with experience with Brahmas?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Was thinking about possibly adding a couple more birds in the spring, anyone with experience with Brahmas?

I have a few. They are pretty dang awesome!

They take longer to mature since they are so big. They don't lay as well as many other breeds. They ARE mellow and beautiful.

I had my tiny bantams in with them and ZERO issues. I moved my bantams because of the black sex links picking on my favorite one.

 

[Savager]

I have a few. They are pretty dang awesome!

They take longer to mature since they are so big. They don't lay as well as many other breeds. They ARE mellow and beautiful.

I had my tiny bantams in with them and ZERO issues. I moved my bantams because of the black sex links picking on my favorite one.

How many eggs to you get out of them on average, and how long is it for them to mature? I've heard they're great winter layers.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Well I'm new to chickens and we were gifted 6 Buff Orpington chicks

The chickens in your photo don't appear to be Buff Orps, maybe a cross?