#1 Recommended breed to new keeper?

[BantyChooks]

You've got a really nice flock there.

Note that I haven't shown you a single hen.
They have nearly no pencilling. Honestly, I'm not sure if I can breed them back up or not. I might have to get new females.

 

[Cyprus]

D'Uccles.

 

[MillersFarm]

Note that I haven't shown you a single hen.
They have nearly no pencilling. Honestly, I'm not sure if I can breed them back up or not. I might have to get new females.

Penciling is hard to work with, if your hens don't have that much penciling then I'd probably get some new hens too. I'd maybe keep a few if their body shape is really nice. I like nice rounded chests, thick legs, short wings held tightly to the body, a short, broad back with a short tail that doesn't stand too tall. But that's how I prefer them. Not sure if the SOP is different in Canada or if it's the same in the US?

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

I would go with cochins. They are sweet and have so many different varieties, and they lay eggs pretty frequently. The roosters are even sweet with humans.

 

[BantyChooks]

Penciling is hard to work with, if your hens don't have that much penciling then I'd probably get some new hens too. I'd maybe keep a few if their body shape is really nice. I like nice rounded chests, thick legs, short wings held tightly to the body, a short, broad back with a short tail that doesn't stand too tall. But that's how I prefer them. Not sure if the SOP is different in Canada or if it's the same in the US?

No, it's the same. Judges might place differently due to taste, but the actual book is the same one.
What do you think about back and tail angles? I've always been a sucker for the ones that pop. Jim Fegan showed a cockerel at a CFI meet one or two years ago that had the prettiest backline I've ever seen. Looked like a walking SOP portrait.

 

[MillersFarm]

No, it's the same. Judges might place differently due to taste, but the actual book is the same one.
What do you think about back and tail angles? I've always been a sucker for the ones that pop. Jim Fegan showed a cockerel at a CFI meet one or two years ago that had the prettiest backline I've ever seen. Looked like a walking SOP portrait.

thought so, I like em' short, broad and flat, with a barely noticeable dip. Same with tail, just a little higher than 170 degrees.

 

[rhodyray]

Easter Eggers. I like the fact that they come in all sorts of colors and can lay eggs of different colors, plus all the ones I've had have had great personalities.

Easter Eggers are not good winter egg layers so be ready for a big drop in production.

 

[rhodyray]

I would lean towards speckled Sussex or barred rock...IMO they are both very friendly and social breeds. SS loves to talk nonstop...lays well also

I think you're right on target. Both hens are excellent egg producers and are winter layers too. The speckled sussex from all the reading about them I do are as friendly as can possibly be.

 

[rhodyray]

I think a flock of salmon faverolles would be lovely and sweet

Great layers however they may easily be bullied by others. I like a mixed flock so this breed would not be included in my selection.

 

[lilmillefleur]

EE or d'Uccle. I can't decide! Both some of the loveliest little birdies I ever saw