Best breed considering 3 factors; eggs, meat, and cold hardiness

[dudefromtampa]

I'm surprised I haven't seen more posts regarding Rhode Island Whites.

I guess you're right there. I was drawn to them for their cold hardy-ness. Good looking birds too.

 

[dudefromtampa]

I've also tried many breed types over the years, and recommend that the OP order a mixed group and see how things work out.
Almost all of my birds have been hatchery grade, as I'm not interested in SQ, but do want birds that fit into their breed descriptions.
The buff Orphingtons I've had did not impress; short lived, accident prone, not terrific. Also didn't love the Delawares. Australorps were fine but seemed to fade into the background somehow. Sex-links were miserable!
I've been very happy with my white Chanties originally from Cackle, and have a small breeding group. Also like Wyandottes and currently have BLR and BLS color varieties.
Consider Plymouth Rocks; I had some buff hens who were lovely, much nicer than those BOs! Speckled Sussex hens are the friendliest birds ever, very nice. I'll always have a few. Also for egg color variety, EEs and French Marans. Last but not least, Jersey Giants are lovely. My hatchery birds varied a lot in mature size, but that wasn't a terrible thing. They are worth having. They grow to maturity slowly, as do the Cornish.
Leghorns and sex-links are the best layers, but not the best for meat, so that's a trade-off. I thought the leghorns were like 'roadrunner' in the cartoons!
Your best bet for continuous egg production is to have several different breeds, and sixteen hours of light in the coop over winter. Having the hens molt at different times is a real asset!
Mary

My apologies. OP?

 

[twisted-acres-farm]

My apologies. OP?

original poster , I believe

 

[Folly's place]

Yup, 'Original Poster'. One of the very few abbreviations I know!
Mary

 

[dudefromtampa]

I got them last year from Cackle Hatchery and to be honest I WAS not impressed.

Slower to lay then the lorps or New Hampshires and still not consistently laying Large eggs.

good to know

 

[dudefromtampa]

original poster , I believe

Thanks. I learned something new today.

 

[jb59]

Unless my wife changes my mind for me tomorrow, I'm going with Rhode Island Whites. That's for all your input.

 

[Folly's place]

Let us all know how you like them!
Mary

 

[jb59]

Let us all know how you like them!
Mary

Definitely will.

 

[jb59]

I've also tried many breed types over the years, and recommend that the OP order a mixed group and see how things work out.
Almost all of my birds have been hatchery grade, as I'm not interested in SQ, but do want birds that fit into their breed descriptions.
The buff Orphingtons I've had did not impress; short lived, accident prone, not terrific. Also didn't love the Delawares. Australorps were fine but seemed to fade into the background somehow. Sex-links were miserable!
I've been very happy with my white Chanties originally from Cackle, and have a small breeding group. Also like Wyandottes and currently have BLR and BLS color varieties.
Consider Plymouth Rocks; I had some buff hens who were lovely, much nicer than those BOs! Speckled Sussex hens are the friendliest birds ever, very nice. I'll always have a few. Also for egg color variety, EEs and French Marans. Last but not least, Jersey Giants are lovely. My hatchery birds varied a lot in mature size, but that wasn't a terrible thing. They are worth having. They grow to maturity slowly, as do the Cornish.
Leghorns and sex-links are the best layers, but not the best for meat, so that's a trade-off. I thought the leghorns were like 'roadrunner' in the cartoons!
Your best bet for continuous egg production is to have several different breeds, and sixteen hours of light in the coop over winter. Having the hens molt at different times is a real asset!
Mary

Thank you for your lengthy reply. I've decided to go with Rhode Island Whites but will also get a few silkies just in case my RIWs don't get broody.