Considering getting buff orpington hens...

[rfjohnson]

I am a total rookie but reading a lot and in process of building my chicken tractor. I am considering which breed to get and it is a big deal for me since I plan on only getting 3 or 4 laying hens for eggs and pleasure. I think I am in love with the Buff Orpingtons but read they are a broody type and since I want eggs...what do you think?

 

[debilorrah]

I think you couldn't pic a better breed. They are winter hardy, the are friendly, the are docile, they are pretty. You can't go wrong. When we first got our chickens we bought 6 that were already older, between 8-12 months. One was a buff. After meeting her, we went and bought 4 chicks that are BO's, and they are so awesome!!!

 

[Whirlwind]

They do seem to be kinda broody. If you just want eggs and no chicks you might think about sex-links. I have had wonderful luck with them and they are super friendly. I have gold and black. They lay really large eggs and don't go broody, usually. Mine never have. When a hen is broody she will not lay you any eggs. What ever you decide I am sure you will enjoy them very much. Good luck.

 

[rfjohnson]

Thanks! I was hoping someone would say that because I think they are beautiful!

 

[debilorrah]

Not only beautiful, but they catch on quick and are friendly. I love my buffs. the older one I have has taken the chicks under her wing, and since we got them, she has taken to eating out of my hand. I LOVE HER.

 

[BJ]

rfjohnson, I like your avatar. Welcome to BYC. We have our first buff orpington gals this year and we love them. I don't know yet about broodiness, but so far, they have been a friendly and fun breed to work with. ANY breed can go broody from time to time...just one of those things you learn to work through. They do get over it!

 

[amysue2012]

Orphintons are great birds I would take them any day!! I even prefer my spring roos over my older Isa Browns anyday. Talk about old biddies, my Isa's really tend to have attitudes, could just be mine though. If your possibly thinking about a smaller breed silkies are also very nice.

 

[Nugget]

I like my buffs, but a variety of breeds is my recommendation

. Looking out at some whites, blacks and buffs is a lovely sight. Australorps have a similar personality to buffs. Throw in a columbian or silver laced wyandotte or a speckled sussex and they'd be gorgeous together! Plus you get to appreciate the differences in personalities. The other thing I find is, I can't tell my 3 buffs apart (aside from the leg bands) so it's harder to "know" each of them.

 

[Cetawin]

If I was going to have a small flock (which was my intent when I got the first 6 LOL) I would get a mix. The benefit, you get to know each girl really well, learn about the breeds, get eggs and can always tell your girls apart.

the first 6 I ordered, which are my main layers right now, were:

2 BAs - really wonderful layers, personality and just fun

1 SLW - great layer, a spoiled mess and totally cool to have around

1 EE - another spoiled mess, beyond sweet, good layer (one big green egg every other day)

1 NHR - great layer and nice personality

1 Light Brahma - great layer, sweet, deep voiced growler and just a doll

The next age group for me are 5 BAs and it is very hard to tell them apart.

My youngest group is a variety of 21 and 2 of those are BOs. One is really sweet and the other very standoffish. So, who knows.

Good luck with your choice and congrats on entering this crazy chicken world. It is too late for treatment and the addiction is tons of fun.