Best Chicken

[walkswithdog]

I had buff orps from a hatchery, they were the meanest, loudest, most combative birds in the coop from the time they got here. So whether they are nice or not depends in part on source.

I have some tough black australorps who are pretty durn noisy but those buffs made them sound like pikers.

Your choices are good ones. My choice was Barred and Partridge Rocks, they lay, they're sweet, really quite quiet and they don't fuss at each other much.

I use the BA's as watch chickens. One of them fought off a hawk. They lay like troopers, they're actually quite sweet to me, but quite tough on the other flock members - a lot of feather tearing.

I had one SLW - she was truly a neat bird. If I'd wanted to complicate things here I'd have kept her, pretty, sweet and quiet.

Good luck with whatever you do chose, and order extra... you can always give away or sell them as they grow out. You lose birds. It happens.

If your goal is 3-4 adult birds, you can work with six or eight to pick the best and it's much better insurance than trying to keep a tiny number to adulthood.

 

[thedeacon]

I have 5 RIR and 3 BO. All are calm and friendly. That is except the RIR roo. Don't let the kids or skittish in with him or turn your back. He still sneaks up on me occassionally. I average 5 eggs a day during this winter and 7 eggs is not uncommon. 7 eggs last summer and fall. If you want eggs and the color, I suggest RIR & BO.

 

[GardeNerd]

Hi,

I agree with Walkswithdog. Order a couple of extra. I ordered a few extra, just in case, too. I have read here at BYC, more than once, people get just the right amount and then end up having to reorder more or find a friend for their single hen/ chick when there are deaths or other problems. I ordered 8 and I want to keep 4-6. I'll rehome any extras when they get a little older if they all grow into healthy adult hens.

The buff orpingtons in our order are mostly going to the folks that BO is the only breed they keep. They must be a good breed generally, you just got the exceptions, Walkswithdog. There are always going to be chickens that their personality isn't typical of their breed. Don't let that deter you from you selection. The couple of extra can also take care of issues with mean or loud chickens. Just give away the ones that don't fit in with your flock or noise expectations.

Good luck. Don't wait too long to place the order.

 

[TillinWithMyPeeps]

Alright, what can you tell me about the Speckled Sussex?

Quiet? Friendly? Good Egg-Layer?

 

[TillinWithMyPeeps]

Does anyone have Speckled Sussex?

 

[legacyln]

BOs are pretty docile and great layers. I really like mine-- am trippin' on the story about the aggressive BOs. Just can't even picture it!!

Agree with one of the earlier posters that Dominiques are a good choice is you want a pretty bird with a rose comb (great for cold climate) that is docile and an excellenet layer.

IMO Barred rocks are talkers, and BOs are quieter/gentler. In fact, my most picked on hen is a BO, though she is buds with the Head Hen and that saves her from a lot of trouble.