chicken mama wannabe!

[pennytrekker]

Hi, I am very new, in fact I don't even have a flock yet! I am hoping to get some chivks early after the new year to start a backyard flock for eggs and fun. Our daughters are off to college. So I am a literal " empty nester" and think chickens would be a great addition. I've been reading blogs, books and joined Facebook groups to learn more. We got a coop and are adding a chicken run.
What are some great breeds for an egg laying flock?
I'd like them to be interesting, both pets and producers. I like the variety of the different breeds. I don't think they will free range- we have too much predator pressure for that to be safe.
Thank you in advance!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
There are lots of great breeds. Some of my personal favorites are White Leghorns, Plymouth Barred Rocks and Black Australorps.
Did you build your coop?

 

[swampfox440]

Have a great time !

 

[Hei 20]

Hi, I am very new, in fact I don't even have a flock yet! I am hoping to get some chivks early after the new year to start a backyard flock for eggs and fun. Our daughters are off to college. So I am a literal " empty nester" and think chickens would be a great addition. I've been reading blogs, books and joined Facebook groups to learn more. We got a coop and are adding a chicken run.
What are some great breeds for an egg laying flock?
I'd like them to be interesting, both pets and producers. I like the variety of the different breeds. I don't think they will free range- we have too much predator pressure for that to be safe.
Thank you in advance!

 

[piminuse]

Hello, and welcome to the flock!

You're doing the right thing by engaging a really cool community of poultry lovers, and by getting your research in early.

There are TONS of breeds with their pros/cons, and everyone has a favorite, but if you're looking for good layers then production breeds like ISA Brown, Golden Comet or Dominant Copper might be good options (they're all egg laying machines). If heritage is your speed then the common classics include Orpingtons, Australorps, Barred Rocks, Marans and Rhode Island Reds. Exotic breeds include Polish and Silkies, and while they're not super big in egg production they pack in a lot of looks and personality. If you're looking for colored eggs then Cream Legbars, True Whitings and Easter Eggers/Ameraucanas would be excellent additions.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck in establishing your flock.

 

[drumstick diva]

Thank you for joining us at BYC, the pulse beat of the poultry community.

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Not knowing the general area that you live in, I can't advice you to what breed's would be best for you to get. Some breed's do better in some area's than other's.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC!!
I'm not going to be very helpful with what breeds to get, I only have one breed that I keep adding to. I have 16 easter egger hens/pullets and a rooster. Chickens are a lot of fun to watch grow, to learn each of their personalities, to sit and enjoy your coffee with them, and to watch them hatch their own chicks.
You will love having chickens!!!

 

[RebelEgger]

Hello from Nova Scotia and welcome to BYC! You’ve joined a great and resourceful community! Enjoy your journey!
I’m new to chickens as well, and only have EE who aren’t laying yet, but someday I’d like to add black australorp, buff Orpington and cream legbars. Those seem to be nice breeds and popular. I wish I had gotten into chickens years ago! You won’t regret it!