Breeding for the Ideal Homestead Chicken

[BlackBart]

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Quebec winters can get pretty cold and thats where they were developed. Be careful some Chanty's are showing up with a bit of feathers on their legs. Thats a no no.

Chantecler/Australorp cross would be my choice. Then breed back to a Wyandotte, or any combination of the three.

 

[TK Poultry]

is there not a purebred chicken that can give you these qualities?

 

[BarredBuff]

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Im sure there is but I want a little color......

 

[TimG]

In my experience and reading, I have found Partridge Chanteclers to be rather broody. Obviously cold hardy (this breed was developed in Western Canada, not Quebec like their White cousins). Cushion comb instead of rose. Not, exactly large.

I'd look into your idea that rose comb birds are healthier. Sounds like old wives' tale to me. Though there may well be less frost bite on rose combs in cold climates.

The old New England breeds are generally cold hardy -- they needed to be to thrive -- in Eastern Kentucky you shouldn't have to worry much about this.

Edited to add: you can get color variety within a single breed. Wyandotte is one breed that has been mentioned as fitting most of your requirements and they come in a number of varieties.

 

[ninjascrub69]

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They said hardier, not healthier

 

[phasianidae]

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Im sure there is but I want a little color......

same here, for ultimate hardyness, breed in some Ameraucana. You cant go wrong with them. An Orpington crossed to a Ameraucana, then crossed to broody Wyandottes would make some great chickens.

 

[TK Poultry]

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Im sure there is but I want a little color......

I guess I'm in a show/breeder state of mind..... lol

 

[stoneunhenged]

As a guy who has pressure tested dozens of breeds in the predator-filled woods, Ameraucanas are hard to beat for survivability and egg productivity.

 

[Muggsmagee]

I have a little bit of everything...Langshans and Brahmas are excellent winter birds...and decent layers....both have feathered feat and short combs. My Ameraucanas are awesome, but they are on the small side. If you want a fat bird, you can't go wrong mixing in Orpingtons.

As far as Dominiques...the 3 I started with...2 died (I think egg bound

) and the 3rd is not productive at all. I like her coloring, but that is about it.

Jersey Giants are fantastic...and large! Mix jersey giants, leghorns, brahmas, australorps, ameraucanas, and langshans...it would be interesting to see if you end up with a large, egg producing, short comb, feather footed meat bird that is friendly to boot! I have all of these and love them. BCM's with feather legs would be awesome to include. Now I want to start this project! The ULTIMATE chicken!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

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Exacty what the op was looking for already in a heritage american breed!