Chickens

[janinepeters]

I think frostbite can be an issue for single comb birds even if the coop is well ventilated. Ventilation is important, but freezing cold + naked appendage with a lot of surface area can mean frostbite. That's a pretty universal principle in the animal kingdom. It is more of a problem with roosters because their combs are much bigger, but a hen with a large single comb can suffer frostbite, too. And humans know from experience that frostbite is painful.

For the combination of egg production, beauty, cold hardiness, and small thick comb lying close to the head, I would go with wyandotte, as Wallygator suggests. Dominique also good. Brahma is great for cold hardiness and very beautiful, but do not lay as well. Rose comb brown leghorn - another fine choice, though the hens have rather drab plumage.

 

[Chicks on DL]

We have golden comets (aka red sex links, golden sex links, red stars). -supposed to be really excellent egg layers. -would recommend them.

I have a Golden Comet that lays an egg every day since day 1. It has been in the 90s here and it hasn't slowed her down any either. She is a good forager and eats little feed. I wouldn't consider her dual purpose though, she seems a little lean to me. If you can tell us what breeds are available to you there it would help. Leghorns are a little flighty but I don't know how you were planning on keeping them or if you want a breed that is more docile. Please provide more information.