Best chicken for northern climate and kids

[hinkjc]

I agree the EE, Ameraucana or Araucana all do well in winter here. The pea combs reduce liklihood of frost bite and they are very hardy birds. Never used a heat lamp over winter with them and they venture out in the worst snow storms to enjoy their day. Nothing seems to hold them back.

While I love the buff orps and agree they are feathered well for winter, I find the combs frustrating with frost bite on the roos. Otherwise they do very well.

Jody

 

[snowydiamonds]

A friend of mine has Easter Eggers (I knew what Ee meant in one part of my brain but the other part didn't, and those parts of my brain didn't meet and shake hands today...LMAO) and 3 RIR's in w/her two sheep without heat, no problem w/cold. I heat and use lights for my RIRs so I can get the eggs.

Its funny how a 12 pack or 18 pack used to seem like a lot of eggs and they lasted forever before I got my hens...

 

[s6bee]

The Buff Orps' are just about everyone's favorites, but I also like the Black Austroloprs.

 

[NS2A]

Buff Orps are what I have. I;m in MN and kept them in an uninsulated coop with no heat and they did fine. Layed all winter as I gave them 14 hours of light. I'd suggest those. Great with the kids too!! My 3 and 5 year old pick them right up and they don't scratch or peck.

I got some EE's, Marans and Cochin chicks a few weeks back so we'll see how those do.

 

[DaveMN]

wow I did not know that there were so many that would do well in MN. Looks like orpingtons, austrolorps, barred rocks, rir and sussex are on the list to go look for.

My wife and I like looks of the Faverolles that she saw in a magaizine so i may have to get one to fancy up the flock. Supposed to be cold hardy. If she is happy then I am happy.

 

[AtRendeAcres]

I am in Western PA and I have a cement block shed we used heat lamps this winter & the only ones that came through with out frost bite were the pea combs (EE & Brahmas)

Brahmas are great with kids dd carries hers all over they are calm & gentle!

& Our EE's are not kid friendly

I would think Wyandottes would be good because of the rose comb! (never had one though!



Joanne

 

[DaveMN]

Quote:
thanks for the heads up on the hatchery. went there and picked up 10 buff orpingtons, 5 barred, 5 sussex and 5 wyandotte plus one wyandotte cockerel. the price of the poultry plus the gas to get there equalled if i had ordered. but i did not have to wait until june to get them.

 

[Cheep Mama]

Glad you got your chicks. I hope the job situation perks up!

 

[PrinceSandwich]

Quote:
EE stands for easter egger ( I think lol)

 

[BarredBuff]

I suggest Buff Orpingtons or something else fluffy.