Australorps, Barred Rocks or Buff Orpingtons ?

[Highland Hens]

I think we are going to get one of each and see how they do but we were wondering what other people's experience has been with these breeds Australorps, Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons? And which breed you think would best fit our family? Here is the type of chicken we are looking for,

1- very productive layer,
2- cold hardy, temp here ranges from -10 in the winter at times to high of 90s in summer,
3- winter layer with little need of supplemental lighting,
4- some what bloody at times so we can try hatching chicks naturally, good mothers,
5- Quieter breed,
6- friendly to people and other chickens,
7- likes free range but will do good in a coup as well,
8- dual purpose bird which I think all three are,

Thank you

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I have all three of those breeds and I would say they rate about the same on those 8 items. The Buff orpingtons we had went broody about once a year. My australorps might be a bit noiser. I don't know that any of them are great winter layers. The buff orpingtons laid some in the winter. Some winter layers like cochins don't tolerate summer heat as well as other breeds.

I love having a flock with a variety of breeds, so you might as well order a mix.

 

[Mac14]

I think having a mix is the best. I have 14 chickens that are 11 different breeds! Those 3 included. You could also throw in a Red Star/Red Sex-link. They are great layers, but rarely ever go broody in their lives. Have fun!