Barred Rocks or Buff Orpingtons

[Deviledegg]

Hi all! I am a current owner of 4 chickens, 2 Ameraucanas, and 2 Cuckoo Marans. Only one of our chickens has started laying (a cuckoo maran) but the others are still young so we are not worried. Anyway, we love having chickens and are looking to expand our flock. Our family is debating to either introduce 2 Barred Rocks or 2 Buff Orpingtons. We would like to know which breed is friendlier to people and other chickens, the color of eggs each one lays, how big they get, and which ones are cold hardy. Thanks!


PS. This was my first post!

 

[sourland]

In my experience both barred rocks and buff orpingtons are quite winter hardy and lay varying shades of brown eggs. The orpingtons are generally among the most mellow of chickens. Some people claim aggressive temperaments with barred rocks, but I have not found that to be true. Either or both would be great additions to your flock.

 

[Deviledegg]

Thank you this was very helpful!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard chickens - I'd say just get both

 

[N F C]

I agree with Drumstick diva...try both!

The BR's are good egg layers and ours have been pretty mellow birds. I haven't had BO's but they are reputed to be good broodys so if you'd like to try hatching fertile eggs sometime, they would be a good choice.

It's interesting having a mixed flock and discovering the differences in them. Have fun!

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

 

[Deviledegg]

Thank you all so much! This is definitely helping us decided breed to get!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

Why not one or two of each?

We have both breeds. I would say that they are all equally friendly with humans, but our barred rocks tend to be much higher on the pecking order and readily put the others in their place.