Breed Suggestions

[Ashley1]

Just a quick question: What's the best breed to start off with?

We have been thinking about starting out with 15-20 chickens;
Buff Orpington = 5 hens 1 rooster
White Leghorn = 3 hens (for white eggs)
Buff Minorcas = 3 hens
Australorp = 5 hens 1 rooster.

We want the Leghorns for the white eggs. And the rest for reproduction and for broodiness. Is this a good way to go or not? Should I start out smaller with a different breed?

I've thought about just starting out small with only:
Black Australorp = 4 hens 1 rooster
Buff Orington= 4 hens 1 rooster
White Leghorn=4

Thanks!

 

[popsicle]

You'd probably be happy with the assortment of breeds you selected. I think you're better off getting birds YOU'RE interested in, rather than birds somebody else says you should be interested in.

With the breeds you've selected, you will get some eggs from some of the breeds earlier than others, so you won't be getting too frustrated waiting for those Orpingtons to start laying while eating lots of feed. The Minorcas and Leghorns will give you plenty of white eggs and will probably not be the friendliest birds (though I have a leghorn that's the first to greet me while free ranging--though she doesn't really want attention).

ETA: I also don't think Minorcas are typically broody. If you're convinced you will absolutely need a broody hen, get yourself one or two Silkies. I've had "broody" breeds before and always end up waiting-waiting-waiting for somebody to go broody while wishing I'd give in and get one of those ugly Silkies.

 

[Ridgerunner]

There is no such thing as best breeds. We all have our favorites but in reality there are a whole lot that will meet your requirements for eggs and hopefully broodiness.

I’d suggest looking through Henderson’s Breed Chart to see which breeds meet your criteria then going to Feathersite for some good photos.

Henderson’s Breed Chart
http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html
Feathersite
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html

I don’t raise Minorcas but I understand they lay white eggs and don’t go broody very often. The Buff Orps and Australorps sound like great choices for your criteria.

As far as how many to get, that is totally up to you. I suggest you don’t crowd them for many reasons, but I really don’t have a clue what number would fit your unique requirements.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Start out as big as you think you can handle. You'll want more later and it's very difficult to add to an established flock. And chickens die.
Ridgerunner's advice about not crowding is also true.
here is another good breed chart from ALBC
http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf
Make breeds suited for your climate your short list and go from there.

I have White Minorcas and they lay BIG white eggs.

Orps and Aorps can go broody but I've even had a black Leghorn go broody often.
Ameraucanas lay pretty eggs and mine's eggs are huge and they've gone broody.

You might get a Cochin or two for broodies.

I also like Jersey Giants, they come in black, white and blue.

 

[Ashley1]

Thanks for the suggestions / advice. I've been doing my research as of 2 week ago I like to look at the different choices I have.
Thanks again!