Best Beginner Egg Layers

[atenn99]

I am new to chickens and I was wondering what the best beginner egg laying breeds are. I want to start out with a mixed flock of about four very docile chickens that are quiet, calm, and great egg layers. I live in Colorado so I also need very cold hardy birds. Like I said before, I am new to chickens so please include as much info as possible for the breeds you suggest. Thanks!

 

[Judy]

Chickens tolerate cold very well, even well below freezing, as long as the coop is well ventilated so the humidity can escape. Our breeds section, using some of these criteria, suggests Golden Comets, which are not a breed but a hybrid. They are sex linked, though, so you should get no accidental males, if that is a consideration. You might want to play around with one of our hatchery's "breed selector tool," here.

My personal choices for you would be Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex, and probably an Easter Egger (EE,) especially if a chance of a blue or green egg appeals to you. EE's are a subject unto themselves. They are also not a breed but a mix. Hatcheries call them Ameraucanas or something similar. One of the Reds would also be good -- again, maybe a mix, variously called Rhode Island Red, Production Red, New Hampshire Red by hatcheries. Barred Plymouth Rock is also a good choice.

 

[atenn99]

Thanks! I appreciate the info

 

[speedy2020]

The rose & pea comb chickens do well in very cold weather without heat source during winter. There are rose comb RIR, Buckeyes, Americauna, Partridge Chantecler, ect... You can find more information from local folks here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you