Brahma or Orpington for Midwest weather....

[DKFarms]

Hi,
I'd like to add to my flock, either some Brahmas or Orpingtons - but am having trouble deciding what will handle the weather better.

In the Kansas City area, we get a lot of rain in the spring (which amounts to copious amounts of mud) and we recently have been getting more snow than we had become accustomed (and ice).

I've picked one of these two because of their gentleness and laid-back personality types and they don't seem to get as broody as other breeds. From the reading I've been doing, the Brahmas seem to have a huge following because their so friendly and "snuggly"... and then I've read almost the same things about Orps.

SO... what would you all recommend? Will the feet feathers on the Brahma be an issue? or Will the Orpington fair better?

 

[50-45-1]

Well, the feathered feet may keep the chickens feet warmer, but if you have lots of mud, that could get ugly with those feathered feet.
I have been known to cut those feathers off feet when i could not take the messy look anymore.
Most clean legged chickens survive cold winters just fine as ling as they have a dry coop and correct type of roosting bar.
Good luck with your decision. They are both nice birds.

 

[Fluffnut]

Well, the feathered feet may keep the chickens feet warmer, but if you have lots of mud, that could get ugly with those feathered feet.
I have been known to cut those feathers off feet when i could not take the messy look anymore.
Most clean legged chickens survive cold winters just fine as ling as they have a dry coop and correct type of roosting bar.
Good luck with your decision. They are both nice birds.

X2

 

[21hens-incharge]

I am just west in Colorado.

I would go with Orpingtons.

Those feathers on Brahma can get iced up and full of mud balls.

If you have a covered run providing a year round dry space then feathered feet are a non issue.

What is your set up like?


By the way....Brahma can be quite tall and need larger nest boxes.

 

[aart]

I love Light Brahma for their B&W beauty and usually mellow and friendly demeanor.
But those feathered feet can become a mess, dragging crap into the nest and onto the eggs...when the deign to lay, they are not prolific layers.
Never had Orps.

 

[DanEP]

If mud is an issue go with the orps . I've had both and while I really like the brahmas their feet are always a mess and as aart said they don't lay that well. Orps are a good choice, good layers and are pretty mellow.

 

[Folly's place]

Probably avoiding feathered feet would be a good idea, if you really have issues with mud.
Orphingtons, maybe, but how about Speckled Sussex? Buff Plymouth Rocks? An assortment? So many choices!
Mary

 

[chickens really]

Both are great..Get a mix of both...

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Hi. I have 2 brahmas and would lean more towards featherless feet. How is your summers? (Besides wet)

 

[DKFarms]

Orps it is then, although I love the black and white of the light brahmas too. I have Sebastopol geese, and want a big, friendly breed chickens too. The hens (probably only 3) will get a revised duck house that is not in use any more. Totally cleaned, dusted with DE... we just need to put roosting bars in it.
I'm very aware of the sizes of both breeds questioned, and nest boxes won't be an issue either. Where they will be is in our backyard, and there are some covered areas, and some open spots. I appreciate all of the information and replies from everyone! Thank you, everyone. ☺☺☺