adding to the flock - what breed would YOU recommend??

[technodoll]

I haven't told my DH yet (shhhh he'll kill me!) but I am thinking of adding a couple of new hens to the flock... I love my girls but 11 out of the 16 are mixed breed and I'd really love a few striking purebreds. I already have 5 silkies so no more of those.

I found a breeder within driving distance (about 60 miles one-way) who has over 40 breeds so I'm pretty sure to find what I want there...

Question is: what do I want??

-needs to be comfortable in COLD temperatures, winters here are 5 months long and quite miserable
-i want hens that are sweet, docile, sociable and smart as they need to integrate into my existing flock
-hardy, healthy and long-lived
-of course good egg layers, the silkies with their teeny tiny eggs are a joke LOL!
-the funkier the egg color the better

So... what do I want??

 

[canada-goose]

You want Easter Eggers or Orpingtons.

 

[RAREROO]

Barred Rocks are excellent chickens and they should make an excellent breed for you.


I have never had any experience with adult birds of these breeds, but Wyandottes and Brahmas are also supposed to be great for cold climates.

 

[hcammack]

I love my Ameraucana and they lay really beautiful eggs and are cold hardy because of their peacombs. I also really like my Wellsummers and Marans but I am not sure they are as cold hardy as you would like though mine have never gotten frostbite in my climate.

Good Luck have fun!

 

[EweSheep]

Wellies can do well in cold weathers!

I would say both Welsummers and Amercuanas (or Easter Eggers if you get them from the hatchery) can be good for you!

 

[MandyH]

OK, you NEEEEEEED Dominique's. VERY friendly and personable, lays a decent sized egg, Rose comb so that lessens frostbite chances, they are pretty good sized and they are very quiet.

 

[houndit]

Sussex!!!! You have got to have Sussex! They are the most friendly chicken I have ever encountered! They practically never fight. They are indeed good layers. They are also striking! Sussex!!!! Sussex!!!!! Sussex!!!!!

 

[MonkeyZero]

How about a RIR(banty and standard)
or a brahma, or cochin?
\\

 

[hcammack]

To be honest I agree with ewesheep the Wellsummers are actually my favorite birds I only have two hens but they lay the most eggs and the most interesting looking eggs. I also love my Ameraucana and Marans to though

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Langshans...of course!