Breeds that do well in Iowa

[TysonDSMIowa]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to do some homework and really trying to talk my wife into this whole backyard chicken idea. We have some harsh winters here in Iowa. I am wondering if there is anyone that could shed some light or even people in my area that can give me some advise on what breeds I should get. I am primarily wanting egg laying chickens. Thanks for all the help and look forward to hearing from everyone.

 

[cavemanrich]

First

.. Here is a link to the Iowa thread. There are over 6000 posting and all by people living in Iowa. You can find all answers there related to Iowa chicken keeping. I'm sure you can also find other chicken keepers within short distances of your location..
My personal suggestion for breeds would be Rhode island Reds, Orphingtons, and Easter eggers. There are soo many more, that are cold hardy as well.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/182/ia-here

WISHING YOU BEST

 

[Michael OShay]

Alaska Backyard chickens has a recommended list of breeds for Alaska at http://akchickens.org/getting-started/recommended-breeds/. If these breeds can handle Alaska's brutal winters, they will have no problem handling your winters. Since high egg production is your main priority, I would personally recommend Black Sex Links (Black Stars) which are on the above list (last paragraph). Not only are they very friendly and hardy, but they are egg laying machines. I raised them for years (along with dozens of other breeds and hybrids), and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 large, brown eggs per hen per years, with double yolks not being uncommon. Black Sex Links also handle hot summer temperatures well. Whatever breed or hybrid you decide to get, good luck with your flock. )

 

[TysonDSMIowa]

Awesome, thanks for the info, I am still about a year or so out of getting started. I still have to get my wife on bored with all this

but all looks like it's moving in the right direction.

 

[Michael OShay]

Awesome, thanks for the info, I am still about a year or so out of getting started. I still have to get my wife on bored with all this

but all looks like it's moving in the right direction.

You're welcome.

 

[trailrider330]

Don't forget the only bird developed in your state, to be hardy in your state... the Iowa Blue Chicken! Gorgeous birds!!!

See this link for more information: http://www.iowabluechickenclub.com/

There are also several threads that discuss the Iowa Blue if you want to check them out.