Breed Recommendations

[MaryVic]

I'm in Pueblo, Colorado, I currently have 5 Wyandotte hens, they are awesome and very sweet, however I was looking into purchasing some Golden comets for their laying ability, I am also wanting a smaller breed as I can't bring myself to dress my wyandottes out (they are my girls after all) some of them are no longer producing. Does anyone know where I can get a couple of Golden comets locally? What are your thoughts on this breed? The weather here is moody, as we can have spring like temperatures in winter and it drops down to bitter cold at night in the early spring, winter and fall. I need excellent laying birds that do well no matter what mother nature has in store, my chickens must do well in an enclosed environment. I am unable to free range, but have a substantial coop and run, I will be adding chunnels this spring as well. Any help or recommendations on breeds would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I would say an Australorp. Very cold hardy, a good layer, and is good with confinement.

 

[MaryVic]

I would say an Australorp. Very cold hardy, a good layer, and is good with confinement.

Thank you ChickenGirl555, I appreciate it

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Thank you ChickenGirl555, I appreciate it

You're welcome
I had to do my research since I'm in freezing WI!

 

[MaryVic]

You're welcome
I had to do my research since I'm in freezing WI!

I've been on several sites, but haven't found any additional information on heat and cold hardy chickens, the weather is weird here. In one day we can have all four seasons of weather. The Golden Comets were recommended, I am currently looking into the Australorps as per your recommendation. I am hoping to find hens that get along well with other breeds

 

[MaryVic]

I've been on several sites, but haven't found any additional information on heat and cold hardy chickens, the weather is weird here. In one day we can have all four seasons of weather. The Golden Comets were recommended, I am currently looking into the Australorps as per your recommendation. I am hoping to find hens that get along well with other breeds

Looks like the Australorp may fit the bill, according to MyPetChicken they are peaceful and dignified. Do you stay with one breed? If not how did the Australorp adapt to the other hens??

 

[AmazingRachel]

Golden comets are very good, probably one of the best red sex links. Other than that, I would recommend Black Stars. They are fantastic layers. They can be a bit aggressive/more likely to be a top hen but they are very smart. I've trained mine in chicken agility and she keeps my flock in line.

 

[MaryVic]

Golden comets are very good, probably one of the best red sex links. Other than that, I would recommend Black Stars. They are fantastic layers. They can be a bit aggressive/more likely to be a top hen but they are very smart. I've trained mine in chicken agility and she keeps my flock in line.

I will look into the Black Stars as well, thank you for the info on the Golden Comets, while searching I wasn't able to find them available, now that I know they are red sex links, maybe I'll have better luck.

 

[AmazingRachel]

I will look into the Black Stars as well, thank you for the info on the Golden Comets, while searching I wasn't able to find them available, now that I know they are red sex links, maybe I'll have better luck.

Hatcheries' brand their red sex links as Cinnamon Queens, Red Stars, Golden Comets, etc. So it may be one hatchery that sells "Golden Comets".

As far as I know, Black Stars are the only black sex links. They are a mix of RIR rooster and Barred Rock hens.

 

[MaryVic]

Thank you for the additional info, there are so many choices, I'm a bit overwhelmed, so far I love all of the suggestions. The hard part is picking one. i'm limited to how many I can have in the city limits or I would try them all