chicken breed suggestions + discussion

[Rosewood Roost]

Hey there!

I'm looking to add around four new babies to my flock! Unfortunately, I've lost many of my hens this year to arthritis, genetic disorders, and other issues. It's been tough, but it's just part of the reality of raising such gentle animals.

Over the years, I've raised a variety of breeds, and I think I'm ready to try something new!

I've raised several EEs, and while I love them, I've found that because they're hybrids, they tend to have more health issues down the road. I'm also not looking for breeds like Leghorns because their high egg production often leads to shorter lifespans and reproductive problems later on.

Lately, I've been researching Salmon Faverolles bantams and Blue Laced Wyandottes. I'd love to hear about your experiences with these breeds!

For the most part, my healthiest chickens have been my purebred Ameraucanas. I love breeds with muffs, and these birds have been incredibly docile—even the roosters!

Of course, we can't label a breed as "healthy" based on just one bird, so if anyone has had several of the same breed and noticed they’ve generally been healthier than others, please let me know!

Also, a quick question-

Not currently but in the past i have struggled with vent gleet in a few of my hens. I understand it's a yeast infection, but I’m wondering—what usually causes it, and what are some ways to prevent it? I’ve noticed that some hens just seem more prone to it, while others never have any issues.

Thanks so much for reading!
Any input is highly appreciated!

 

[Slothinc]

Hybrids are often considered healthier because they have more diverse genes. Sorry your EE haven't been though! I raise silkies and silkie crosses, so I don’t have much suggestion for you. I feel pretty lucky though because my silkies have always been really healthy. My two oldest girls are 5 and have never been sick a day in their lives.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I disagree that Leghorns are prone to issues because of high egg production only because they were not engineered for that like some other breeds-they are actually a very old and very hardy breed. But don’t take my word for it-I will see if our resident Leghorn expert has an opinion @The Moonshiner

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I will chime in on my experience with Salmon Favs though. I have had five of them and I think they were the most delicate flowers in my chicken garden. Lost one to heat stroke (I think), another to predation (not actually her fault but she got kicked out of the flock by a bossy RIR and wouldn’t have been eaten if she hadn’t been away from the flock), and had another with lifelong eye issues. They are docile to a fault and whenever I had one I had to structure my whole flock around it so it wouldn’t get picked on to the point of having health issues. That doesn’t mean I didn’t love them. Just wouldn’t recommend impulse buying any lol

 

[The Moonshiner]

I disagree that Leghorns are prone to issues because of high egg production only because they were not engineered for that like some other breeds-they are actually a very old and very hardy breed. But don’t take my word for it-I will see if our resident Leghorn expert has an opinion @The Moonshiner

I've never had problem with my Leghorns because of their production. I have had RSLs in the past and they did so I'm aware of what can happen.
That being said I haven't had a whole ton of the white Leghorns and I've saw hatcheries that sell white Leghorns or Leghorn types that they market like they're super high production birds. Idk if it's mostly marketing or if they've pushed their line into dangerous grounds for that.

 

[Rosewood Roost]

Thank you all so much for your incredible knowledge and help!

I guess I’ll likely have to pass on the Salmon Faverolles for now—just looking for a breed that’s a bit less delicate at the moment.

Are there any breeds you've had experience with that tolerate heat well? I’m in South Carolina, and while it can get pretty cold here at times, heat has definitely been the bigger issue for my flock.

Also—
Are there any breeds you’ve found to be generally the healthiest compared to others? Aside from EE (I’ve just had really bad luck in the past).

Or maybe breeds that check off a few of these boxes:

-Decent egg layers

-Aesthetically pleasing (this is what drew me to the Faverolles originally) but still fairly hardy

-Get along well with the flock—I’ve had more than enough bullies over the years..

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I like Buckeyes for cold hardy as well as heat. They’re good foragers as well and good temperament. You might not have considered Naked Neck Turkens but they are some of my absolute faves. I kept them in Utah so I’m sure they’ll do great in SC. I’m sure you will get lots of other input. The Wyandottes are also lovely but can be a bit flighty.

 

[Iluveggers]

Thank you all so much for your incredible knowledge and help!

I guess I’ll likely have to pass on the Salmon Faverolles for now—just looking for a breed that’s a bit less delicate at the moment.

Are there any breeds you've had experience with that tolerate heat well? I’m in South Carolina, and while it can get pretty cold here at times, heat has definitely been the bigger issue for my flock.

Also—
Are there any breeds you’ve found to be generally the healthiest compared to others? Aside from EE (I’ve just had really bad luck in the past).

Or maybe breeds that check off a few of these boxes:

-Decent egg layers

-Aesthetically pleasing (this is what drew me to the Faverolles originally) but still fairly hardy

-Get along well with the flock—I’ve had more than enough bullies over the years..

Speckled Sussex, Cream Legbar & Australorp would be my suggestions! Australorp can be blue, black & splash if you want a bit of a variety.

I second Naked Necks also. One of my absolute favorite breeds…I know some people think they look weird but they are so friendly & sweet, & cute in their own way!