Input Welcome: What Breed Should I Get?

[kekstrom]

We are getting a small batch of chicks in May (4-6) , and I would like to pick a new breed. I have the choice between Rhode Island Reds, Golden Sex Links, Black Sex Links, or White Crested Black Polish. Can anyone tell me what they like about any of those breeds? Or maybe don't like? Which are your favorites and why? And pictures, I LOVE pictures of birds.

 

[Kalija74]

I did not care for our Polish, although they are fun to look at they always seemed weak, nit very spirited. But, we loved the couple of black sexed linked hens we had. Hope that helps!

 

[N F C]

From your list, I have RIR, the red sex link and used to have a WCBP. I've been very happy with the RIR and the RSL, both for egg production and personality. The WCBP was a freebie from the hatchery. He was an adorable chick but as soon as those top knot feather started coming in, he was harassed constantly so I had to separate him from the dual-purpose girls. We lost him around 3 months of age but he never would have been happy with the other birds and I was going to have to make a choice to re-home him or get him some other Polish for companions.

This is Taylor, my RIR girl and DH's favorite: (her chick pic is below this one)




This is Scotty, one of my RSL's and my lap girl: (can't find her baby pic, so showing you her flock mate Sue)

 

[moonflowerfarms]

The only one of those I have had is a Rhode Island Red, and I was not such a fan. She was not very nice, and a bully to the other chickens and people. I say one of each!

 

[BantyChooks]

I'd chose the BSL and WCBP. BSL for laying, as well as sweet personalities. Polish for a little jazz!
My BSL are very friendly and pretty birds, and are good layers with almost 1 brown egg a day.

I can't comment on the polish, as they are not one of the birds I have owned but I am planning on getting 1 in the next few years.

Golden sex link, I just got 5 a week ago..... They are pretty sweet so far, and would make a nice choice.

Never had RIR's.
-Banti

 

[Jensownzoo]

The one in front is a Buff Orpington, but the remaining three are Golden Buffs (sex-links). They're 8 weeks old in the picture. I picked them because they will start laying early, have high egg production, and tend to have nice calm personalities. I didn't know until recently that because they are so productive, they tend to die at a relative early age. Not a big deal if you plan to eat them after their production drops, but my girls will go into a retirement flock since they're basically pets with benefits.

 

[kekstrom]

The one in front is a Buff Orpington, but the remaining three are Golden Buffs (sex-links). They're 8 weeks old in the picture. I picked them because they will start laying early, have high egg production, and tend to have nice calm personalities. I didn't know until recently that because they are so productive, they tend to die at a relative early age. Not a big deal if you plan to eat them after their production drops, but my girls will go into a retirement flock since they're basically pets with benefits.

See, I just love those rich golden feathers with the white. Beautiful. Yea my husband votes for best egg production, but I like to pick based on friendliness and beauty.

 

[kekstrom]

I'd chose the BSL and WCBP. BSL for laying, as well as sweet personalities. Polish for a little jazz!

My BSL are very friendly and pretty birds, and are good layers with almost 1 brown egg a day.

I can't comment on the polish, as they are not one of the birds I have owned but I am planning on getting 1 in the next few years.

Golden sex link, I just got 5 a week ago..... They are pretty sweet so far, and would make a nice choice.

Never had RIR's.
-Banti

If I got a WCBP, I would name her Mrs. McGuillicuddy. Haha!

I was just looking at BSL on here... very pretty hens. How are your BSL as far as friendliness within your flock?

 

[BantyChooks]

If I got a WCBP, I would name her Mrs. McGuillicuddy.  Haha!

I was just looking at BSL on here... very pretty hens.  How are your BSL as far as friendliness within your flock?

Lol!

They are very mellow and unflappable, get along with the 1 lb bantam just fine. Feed together and everything....

Only issues I have had is they are a mite greedy, and a liddle umm tall for my silky rooster, leading to infertile eggs.
-Banti

 

[Jensownzoo]

See, I just love those rich golden feathers with the white.  Beautiful.  Yea my husband votes for best egg production, but I like to pick based on friendliness and beauty.  

Yeah, I tried for the best of both worlds! For my initial laying flock I got 6 Golden Buffs, 6 Buff Orpingtons, 3 Dominiques, 3 New Hampshire Reds, 1 Barred Rock, and 2 White Rocks. It's a colorful bunch of ladies.

I just changed all their leg bands yesterday and almost all of them were pretty mellow about it. Some even wanted back on my lap while I was working on another bird.

I did pick up four polish chicks a day or two ago, but they're mainly for eye candy. Got two golden-laced, one buff-laced, and one silver-laced...which was their entire stock! We'll see what I think of them once they grow up.