Chicken Breed Finalists for My Next Year Batch!

[elissarules]

I’ve been looking to get 5 new chickens since early Fall, and I’ve been mulling over this decision for what to get! I have a local seller of chicks - 30 minutes away - that only sells about 15 breeds. They’re all pretty standard. I talked with my mom and fiancé and we finalized our list! The “/“ are we’re okay with either depending on price or availability.

Silver-Laced Wyandotte
Ameraucana/Salmon Faverolle
Australorp/Jersey Giant
Silver-Gray Dorking/Iowa Blue
Buff Orpington

What’s your experiences with these breeds? Would you recommend one over the other? Do you guys recommend getting multiple of one breed or does it not matter?

Thank you guys and happy clucking

EDIT: I currently have 7 chickens, hence wanting 5 new chicks! Also, I want one or the other with the slashes. I don't necessarily want both!

 

[LilJoe]

SLW- My wyandottes are both beautiful andgood layers of medium sized, light brown eggs. They are calm, but can be startled easily.

BO- Good layers of brown eggs. But, in my experience... the roos I have had were aggressive

 

[LilJoe]

Also, I recommend a mixed flock. You will have a variety of egg colors and sizes and you will also get different colored and sized birds.

 

[BlueBaby]

I love my Black, Blue, and Splash Australorp's! Most of the hatcheries only carry the Black one's though. I got my start of them through a breeder. They are pretty friendly and lay eggs well. In a mixed flock, Australorp's are mostly at the bottom of the pecking order though, because they are more mild mannered.

 

[Leigti]

I really like silver laced Wyandotte. But I would say get a mixed flock. You have eight breeds chosen, can you get eight chicks? If not decide on five different ones.

 

[ChickNanny13]

From my experience, I'd get 2 of the same breed & keeping a even number of chickens avoids "odd man out". I've had & LOVE Orpingtons, Wynadottes, Ameraucanas & Australorps; all are good layers except the AM however they have the colored/tinted eggs. Orpingtons & Wynadottes are very mellow/docile & friendly and they got those fluffy butts I've often thought of Salmon Faverolle but prefer the clean feet & have read they are "talkative" but so pretty. Jersey Giants are "bigger & slower" maturing, never had them, nor have I had any Dorking or Iowa Blue.

Why not get 2 of each

 

[elissarules]

SLW- My wyandottes are both beautiful andgood layers of medium sized, light brown eggs. They are calm, but can be startled easily.

BO- Good layers of brown eggs. But, in my experience... the roos I have had were aggressive Also, I recommend a mixed flock. You will have a variety of egg colors and sizes and you will also get different colored and sized birds.

Ooh yay! That's what I wanted to do! I was just curious if people recommend not to do that. I'll be wary of the BO... I do want a rooster - we've been without one for a good several months. I miss the crowing! But, if they get aggressive I'll probably sell them to some neighbors

I love my Black, Blue, and Splash Australorp's! Most of the hatcheries only carry the Black one's though. I got my start of them through a breeder. They are pretty friendly and lay eggs well. In a mixed flock, Australorp's are mostly at the bottom of the pecking order though, because they are more mild mannered.

I think that the Australorps are just so stunning! Something about the all black and red combs! I have a silkie right now - very mild mannered, goofy, and kind of afraid of heights (can you imagine? LOL!) - and I'm pretty sure she's at the bottom now. Do you know how the new babies might affect her?

I really like silver laced Wyandotte. But I would say get a mixed flock. You have eight breeds chosen, can you get eight chicks? If not decide on five different ones.

That's what my plan is! The slashes were an either/or thing. Since it's a smaller hatchery, availability can be kinda shaky. Also I don't know what the prices are for these kiddos, and I wouldn't mind one or the other if one is cheaper!

From my experience, I'd get 2 of the same breed & keeping a even number of chickens avoids "odd man out". I've had & LOVE Orpingtons, Wynadottes, Ameraucanas & Australorps; all are good layers except the AM however they have the colored/tinted eggs. Orpingtons & Wynadottes are very mellow/docile & friendly and they got those fluffy butts I've often thought of Salmon Faverolle but prefer the clean feet & have read they are "talkative" but so pretty. Jersey Giants are "bigger & slower" maturing, never had them, nor have I had any Dorking or Iowa Blue.

Why not get 2 of each

I currently have 7 chickens, since a few have died over the last 8 months. I'm trying to even them out by adding 5! I better include that in the main post...

Ooh yay! My mother is a big fan of ornamental chickens, but I really like the look of the Buff Orpingtons...kind of like literal grownup fluffy chicks - they have the same color! My mom loves the idea of the Jersey Giants, but I'd prefer an Australorp. If they end up having an Australorp in stock, I'll pick that one over the Jersey

 

[MillersFarm]

Silver-gray dorking hens are beautiful to me and are very nice birds.. But my favorite breed would have to be my Jersey Giants.

Beautiful birds with great body shape and thick plumage with a shine of green and purple.
My jersey Giants are also very good mothers and have raised many batches of chicks and ducks.

 

[junebuggena]

Since no color/variety is specified, the Ameraucana are most likely Easter Eggers. Those are my favorite. Faverolle, Australorp, Dorking, and Orpington will all be really good choices for a mellow flock. Wyandottes and Iowa Blues tend to need their elbow and need to be kept busy. Both tend to be dominant breeds, that can be problematic if they aren't properly managed.

 

[elissarules]

Silver-gray dorking hens are beautiful to me and are very nice birds.. But my favorite breed would have to be my Jersey Giants.
View attachment 1220227
Beautiful birds with great body shape and thick plumage with a shin of green and purple.
My jersey Giants are also very good mothers and have raised many batches of chicks and ducks.
View attachment 1220226

What angels! They look so sweet! Thank you for showing me these girls!