Favorite breeds.... for northern weather, egg laying, temperament?

[FrozenChicken]

Well it depends on how cold your coop temperature gets. If you can keep it close give or take 10 degrees Celcuis and with good lighting (not sure your day length there). Brahmas don't have large combs to get frostbitten and they are heavy. But for good egg production maybe a first cross. They are the hardiest in my flock. Rhode Island Red are a good choice along with Columbian Rocks. First crosses are the hardiest though in my flock.

 

[SeaChick]

Wow, this is great advice, thanks....

FrozenChicken-
by "first cross" do you mean like Stars or Sex-Linked (which I gather, depending on color, are either RIRxbarred rock orDelawarexproduction red or something similar)?

Kelly FG-
Did your EEs lay in the winter?
Does your Buff Orpington go broody a lot? How about the others?

Thanks!!!
Stacey

 

[FrozenChicken]

Yes First crosses are like Black Sex Links etc. I have both the RIR BR crosses and the RIR Columbian Rock crosses and got good egg production and healthy birds.

 

[Kelly FG]

Quote:
well both of my silly EEs decided to molt during the winter, but it was quick for both of them & they started laying right away. I thought they were decent winter layers.
I have two buffs & one has shown some slight broody signs but its not official. I think they are worth taking a chance of being broody because they are so sweet & beautiful.