Buff Orpington or Austerlop?

[IrishAcreFarm]

That makes sense.  So which do you prefer buff orpingtons or austerlops?

I have had sweet buff orpingtons, as well as sweet black australorps. However, with my current flock, my sweetest girl is a black australorp, and my meanest is a buff orpington. I would always choose the australorps.

 

[Kataloo]

Can you explain what you mean by microwave disc. I think I know but I want to be sure.

 

[dekel18042]

An 8 inch circle X 1 inch thick. Mine is made by Snugglesafe. I think other companies make them too. Can be microwaved 4- 5 minutes and hold their warmth for up to 10 hours.

 

[Kataloo]

Thanks. I think that is a brilliant idea to keep the water from freezing so often.

 

[cstronks]

I love Buff Orpingtons. Australorps are fantastic birds as well. I do like the suggestion of getting 4 different birds, but I think a flock of two australorps, one buff orpington, and one EE would do you well. The australorps will produce more eggs than the buff and the EE, so you will not only be having fun, but also getting the most out of the flock. Australorps are usually good for one egg a day, Buffs can do 4-5 a week, and EE can do about 3-4 a week (sometimes more). My EE and Buffs have never been fantastic layers, but they are sweet birds. Buffs are extremely good with people. My 8, 5, and 3 year old cousins are able to walk in the hen house and pick them up. EE's can be a little less tame and have somewhat odd personalities, so as of handling I wouldn't recommend them, but it is really cool to have a colored egg in your basket.

 

[Kataloo]

Thanks. I am still debating...2 buffs and 2 austerlops, or maybe 2 buffs, 1 austerlop and 1 EE.

 

[cstronks]

Thanks. I am still debating...2 buffs and 2 austerlops, or maybe 2 buffs, 1 austerlop and 1 EE.

Two Buffs and Two Australorps would be a very productive flock that is good with kids.

 

[crazyfeathers]

I have buffs and astrolorps. My astrolorp Olive is my favorite chicken. My buffs tend to be bullies but got them age 2 so although they come when called they don't like to be petted. We had 50 below with wind chill here this winter (Wisconsin) and both breeds did wonderful. Don't get leg horns unless you can provide some heat as their combs will freeze. We went with heated dog bowls for our water source as our barn is quite a distance from the house and no running water in the barn. It's much easier to fill the water bowls 2 a day then to chip ice. If I had a choice I would go with 4 different breeds. Best of luck...

 

[Sjbchickens]

Just a suggestion on breeds, I've had buffs, marans & barred rocks. The buffs are really gentle and my current girl is a very quirky sweet heart. The last barred rock we had was so fun! She would hop on the lounger outside & sun herself, fall asleep on my lap & was never phased by a wild two year old picking her up. My friend has a buff brahma that is similar in her easy going nature.