#1 Recommended breed to new keeper?

[adstowe]

I'd say probably easter egger. I've had all easter eggers and all buff orps. No complaints about either, but I like variety (which is why I now have a mixed flock). The easter egger choice gives you the variety in appearance, but fits your one "breed" criteria. I didn't read the whole thread, so not sure if you gave a reason for only wanting one breed, but if there's not a good reason for it I'd suggest a mixed flock. The difference in the birds and the eggs is fun. I have a couple of easter eggers, a bunch that lay varying shades of brown and one white leghorn. They all look different as do their eggs. It just adds a lot of variety.

 

[Eggscoozme]

I started raising chickens 5yrs ago when I bought my first house with acreage. Started with 2 unknown breeds, several months later, had nearly 90 chickens of ALL kinds. It was crazy. I've done a 360. Back to 6 chickens total for months now. SOOOOO, over the years I've discovered that egg laying ability and temperament are most important for us. That being said, ISA Browns win it hands down. Faithful layers of large to super-duper jumbo eggs 6-7 times/week, sweet temperament, and not bottom of the pecking order. Not chatty (do not like chatty chickens, only ducks - weird, or what?).
My heart strings were torn about the EE's and Silkies as I LOVE colored eggs, and Silkie's temperament, but I tend to go practical, so the Isa's win.

 

[TLHloveschicks]

I'm getting some Rhode Island Reds this Spring...Lord willing...so excited! Hubby will be starting on the chicken coop sometime after the 1st of the year.

 

[Nats Chickens]

araucanas

 

[KinnaChickie]

OMG....I HATE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PICK JUST ONE BUT HONESTLY FOR WARM AND COLD WEATHER AND THE EGGS, I WOULD GO WITH RIR'S. THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MY GO TO BIRD FOR EGGS, AND THEY FAIR VERY WELL IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER. IN FACT I HAD A BATCH THAT LOVED PLAYING IN THE SNOW.

 

[KinnaChickie]

I'm getting some Rhode Island Reds this Spring...Lord willing...so excited! Hubby will be starting on the chicken coop sometime after the 1st of the year.

YASSSS GIRL, MY FAV TYPE OF BIRD IF I HAD TO STICK TO JUST ONE. THEY ARE AMAZING EGG LAYERS AND GOOD MEAT AS WELL IF YOU GO THAT ROUTE. THEY CAN BE SASSY BUT WHO DOESNT LOVE A SASSY BIRD...LOL...YOU GOTTA POST PICS ONCE YOU GET THE LIL BOOGERS...I WOULD LOVE TO SEE...OH I HAVE CHICK ENVY ALREADY....LOL

 

[TLHloveschicks]

Yes KinnaChickie when I get my chicks I will post some pics! I am so excited I picked out a plan last night for a coop ( simple but also with a nice big run). When we are at work they will be in their pen but when we are here I will let them free range as long as they are in sight. My husband is always outside when not at work so they will have lots of supervision. Can't wait! Thanks for the post and for sharing the excitement with me..

 

[TLHloveschicks]

araucanas

Araucanas...I will have to check into this breed thank you Nats Chickens for the post

 

[Dona Worry]

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.

The point of the thread is if you could only pick ONE breed, so how a bird is in a mixed flock is not relevant.

NOBODY lays for me in winter (I don't supplement light). Interestingly though, both last winter and this winter, an EE won the egg race.

My EE has slowed down... from 7 eggs a week to 5 eggs a week!
She is a tiny little powerhouse! If I had to choose just one breed, they would be EEs.

 

[Chickem707]

I went for Jersey Giants. My jg hen is the most friendly chicken I’ve met, everytime i got outside she’s the first to run up to me! (The way they run is so funny as well) Another plus side is the eggs, lovely big ones, and 150+ a year. Even though they mature to lovely big birds, I don’t plan on eating her as she’s so sweet.