Breeding for the Ideal Homestead Chicken

[BarredBuff]

Hey guys! This not a project (per say) but merely a goal. The self reliance is why I have chickens and I need a little input.

The Traits I want in these birds

Rose Combs
Cold Hardy
Excellent Egg Layer
Winter Egg Layer
Large Size (about orp size)
Broody

Breeds that I think should be in the cross

Dominiques
Orpingtons
Australorps
Partridge Rock
Orp/RIR

Any other suggestions or input?

 

[grandmaof5]

Buckeyes?

 

[ninjascrub69]

Throw in some wyandotte, cold hardy, broody, large, and rosecombed!

 

[txcarl1258]

Quote:
My thoughts exactly.

ETA: Don't know if you want feathered legs, but what about some LF Cochins.

 

[maizey]

just curious.. why the rosecomb?

 

[jeremy]

Have you considered using Chanteclers at all? They were specifically made for cold Canadian winters.

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
They are hardier from what I have read. I may add chanteclers, but not Buckeyes, Im not a fan of them.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd suggest Orpington for broody, size and egg laying: Australorp for broody, egg laying, and winter egg laying: and either Chantecler, Buckeye, or Wyandotte for comb. All should be cold hardy. If you are not that worried about comb, I'd go with Orpington and Australorp only and forget all the others.

 

[augustmomx2]

They don't have rosecombs... but my Speckled Sussex girls are VERY cold-hardy. They are the only ones that go tromping through the snow that reaches up to their bellies

Plus they are consistent layers and super-friendly.

 

[Georgia Boy 1970]

Games and silkies would be good for broodiness.And a cross of the two should make some good setting machines. I have just hatched some 3/4 polish 1/4 buff orpington chicks and I was very suprised that the chicks are so large. Good luck on your breeding project you should have lots of colors with all those breeds blended in.