Breed Suggestions

[cyan23]

So my husband and I are about 2 and half weeks in to being chicken owners. So far it's been awesome and we have already learned a lot. We purchased 7 Isa Browns locally that were about 3 weeks old. The more we learn the more it's becoming clear we want to add a couple different breeds to our flock and possibly a roo. We have room for about 15 birds total. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks in advance

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

So my husband and I are about 2 and half weeks in to being chicken owners. So far it's been awesome and we have already learned a lot. We purchased 7 Isa Browns locally that were about 3 weeks old. The more we learn the more it's becoming clear we want to add a couple different breeds to our flock and possibly a roo. We have room for about 15 birds total. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks in advance

What are your goals - are you looking for high production breeds, dual purpose birds, etc.? Do you have a preference on egg color? Are there patters or colors that you like or would prefer not to have in the flock? Do you like the idea/look of feathered legs or head-dress? Do you want/need breeds that are known to be good foragers? Are you wanting the rooster to do hatching of your own or just to have?

 

[mymilliefleur]

X2 on ol grey mares questions. If your looking for egg production, and good natured birds though, I'd have to recommend either Dominiques or Wyandottes. Both are very good layers, docile, and the roosters are known for being calm. Marans are also a good choice, and one of the calmest breeds I've ever raised. Hope this helps. Good luck with your flock!

 

[cyan23]

Egg color isn't important, dual purpose birds seem to be where we are leaning. Also, would like to raise some birds on our own. We are not interested in show birds, although they are pretty for sure. We live in Michigan, so cold hearty birds are a must. We would like free range birds for eggs and the table eventually, however we live in a very rural area so lots of predators to consider. I have read that roos are helpful and protective to the hens but can be aggressive, which is something we would like to avoid. We would like to have some different looking birds to tell them all apart. So far our girls look just like each other for the most part. Thanks for all your questions.

 

[donrae]

In your area, pea or rose combed birds are a good idea to avoid frostbite. Wyandottes are great birds and eye candy to boot. Buckeyes and Dominiques also come to mind, as well as Easter eggers although they're usually a lighter bodied bird so if you're wanting table birds, not so much.

 

[cyan23]

Wyandottes are very high on our list.

 

[RIR-YELLOWLEGS]

Eve

So my husband and I are about 2 and half weeks in to being chicken owners.  So far it's been awesome and we have already learned a lot.  We purchased 7 Isa Browns locally that were about 3 weeks old.  The more we learn the more it's becoming clear we want to add a couple different breeds to our flock and possibly a roo.  We have room for about 15 birds total.  Any suggestions would be very helpful.  Thanks in advance

ryone is making great suggestions and given you great advice the only other breed that i could add is RGOSE ISLANDS RED the only drawback is do not get your rooster from a hatchery as a RIRroo came be very aggressive unlees you purchase gim from a good line breeder most all heritage fowl is cold weather hardy everyone has already mention a great breed my only other suggestion are orpington and it does matter the color buff which is a BEAUTIFUL yellow gold or a blue,or any of this breed is sweet and friendly even the rooster.

 

[Michael OShay]

I would personally recommend Australorps which are extremely hardy in both cold and heat. I've raised them where winter temperatures dropped to 30 F below zero, and where summer temperatures frequently reached 117-118 F (sometimes more), and in both climate extremes they did just fine. Australorps are also a very calm and gentle breed (my children and granddaughter made lap pets of them), and while they won't quite match the lay rate of your Isa Browns (which are Red Sex Link hybrids), Australorps are the best layers of the standard, brown egg laying breeds.

 

[Cleo2019]

Thank you for this information. The only thing I'm sure about is that I want hens that lay brown eggs.
Cleo2019

 

[Cleo2019]

I really liked the information that you gave about the Orpintons Rooster! thanks