best back yard chickens please show pics

[Illia]

The real question to ask is, do you want to just get any random chicken, no matter the quality? Or do you want something true to type? Something pretty, or more dual purpose, or purebred?

What I'm saying is, do you just want something from a hatchery/feedstore, or do you want to search extra for that special breed? (Marans, Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and other rare breeds or breeds not offered by hatcheries)

 

[sheila3935]

I love my RIR's and BR's They lay well and are not aggressive. I also have mutts that are sweet but dont know how they lay yet as they are not old enough yet. I have 2 naked necks they are a little skittish. I have 2 BR roos and dont have any problems with them at all.

 

[JustAChickenLittle&More]

I agree! A personal breeder is much better than a hatchery.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Personally, those of you who said RIR and Lakenvelder are crazy! Both of those breeds we had several of when I was growing up and I refuse to have them now because of the bad attitudes they have. I know some RIR are peoples favorite pet rooster, but I think in general terms, they are not a terribly friendly breed. The Lakenvelders would drill holes in your knees if you looked at them the wrong way. No way would I get or recommend either one unless you are talking hens only.

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
Ditto to that. But, a lot of hatchery birds to tend to show aggression because of poor breeding. I've heard countless stories of sour Wyandottes, mean Production Reds, mean Plymouth Rocks, and mean Sex Links. Had some mean Sex Links and Wyandottes myself.

Usually breeder wyandottes are very nice ask some they will say they are great!
Buckeyes are very nice too, they are good egg layers and very good meat birds

I have these SPPR bantams because they are SO pretty they are good for eye candy

I am getting a trio of BR next week they are just like the buckeye

THE BR ARE NOT MY BIRDS
all of the birds I showed are breeder birds.
good luck
punky

 

[ChickenWisperer]

Quote:
Your birds probably don't show as much aggressive tendency because the breeds are similar. It would probably change if they were thrown in with dorkings and faverolles, per say - two very docile breeds.

Edited for stupid spelling mistakes

And I do agree. Hatchery stock of some breeds will be much more aggressive due to poor breeding, but I wouldn't take a chance on some breeds, like RIR, anyway.

 

[soccerstar259]

thanx for all your help i appreciate it

 

[WestKnollAmy]

There is no way I can show all my backyard birds on this thread. However, my website has a breeds page called Free Range Chickens and it shows all my birds out there in the yard.

I cannot say I have an actual favorite because I love them all for one reason or another. Some are gorgeous, some are sweet, some are great layers and I love the egg color and then there are individual birds in a breed that just have a lot of personality.

I started with what eggs I would like to see and started narrowing it down (though it really doesn't look like I narrowed it too far down!) on what breeds I would be able to get those eggs from.

After all these years I still am getting a new breed every year to see if I like them. It seems I always wind up keeping some so I have a few hens from about 19 different breeds. It is fun and I guess I will never have just one breed.

Good luck! I can't say I envy your decision making!

 

[roocrazy]

Quote:
REALLY??? thats strange my wyandottes were my fav. birds got rid of them for old age, but the were so sweet i loved them no agression towards me at all

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

I am a fan of Wyandottes. (Which not everyone in these pic are)