Best layers... and backyard birds

[ChickCluck]

Couple of questions. We're looking for good layers and good backyard birds.

Thinking about Buff Orpintons or Australorp. Thoughts?

Thanks so much!

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

Quote:
I am not sure how orps lay - I have two pullets who just started, but the one is consistant almost every day (the other JUST started, so sporadic yet) Australorps lay pretty well, too.

Barred Rocks - I've had three of them, and they lay rain or shine, cold or hot almost every single day. I have a new flock of them almost ready to begin laying, now.

if you can't decide between the australorps and the buffs, get a few of both - they'd make a pretty flock with the black and buff running around.

eta - while I adore my light brahmas - I've found that weather has a real effect on mine (not sure if it's a breed thing, or just my particular birds) too hot or too cold and they stop laying.

meri

 

[nicalandia]

if you want, the best back yard chickens, stay with the bread and butter of the Dual purpose birds like RIR, barred rock...but if you want more eggs, Autralorps will do, and if you want to run an egg business nothing beats production type leghorns...

 

[ChickCluck]

We definitely need a hardy breed, as we have cold winters...

I've heard that Orps are hardy as well as Austalorps.

If you had to choose between a Orp and a Austra, what would you pick?