pinebarrens
In the Brooder
JohnB:
I've only had chickens for about a year, and I'm sure there are more experienced people who might give you advice, but I think the three breeds you listed are good ones. Our Speckled Sussex girls are only "pretty good" layers, I think about 3-4 eggs a week from each of them. But ours have not been broody, they have a lot of personality, they seem to free range well, and they get along with the rest of the flock very well. I know people who love their Rhode Island Reds, because they are hardy, great layers and they generally do well in the NJ climate, but the folks I know keep a flock of only RIR's, because apparently they can be nasty to other breeds. We also have buff orpingtons, which we really enjoy although they are not "superstar" layers either, and easter eggers (green-blue eggs are just a lot of fun.) We find that having several different breeds in our flock adds to our enjoyment. I think we're adding a couple of black australorps and barred rocks this year, actually.
I don't have any experience with hybrid layers, sorry.
Edit: I wanted to add a picture. Our 10-year old seems to get a lot of pleasure out of our chickens:
I've only had chickens for about a year, and I'm sure there are more experienced people who might give you advice, but I think the three breeds you listed are good ones. Our Speckled Sussex girls are only "pretty good" layers, I think about 3-4 eggs a week from each of them. But ours have not been broody, they have a lot of personality, they seem to free range well, and they get along with the rest of the flock very well. I know people who love their Rhode Island Reds, because they are hardy, great layers and they generally do well in the NJ climate, but the folks I know keep a flock of only RIR's, because apparently they can be nasty to other breeds. We also have buff orpingtons, which we really enjoy although they are not "superstar" layers either, and easter eggers (green-blue eggs are just a lot of fun.) We find that having several different breeds in our flock adds to our enjoyment. I think we're adding a couple of black australorps and barred rocks this year, actually.
I don't have any experience with hybrid layers, sorry.
Edit: I wanted to add a picture. Our 10-year old seems to get a lot of pleasure out of our chickens:
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