Favorite Chicken Breed?

[CraziChknLady]

One favorite, I can't pick just one favorite! I will say that the one breed we chose to breed is buckeyes. My first buckeye flock were good layers. My current flock  just started laying, pretty sure it's just the one pullet so far. But we got into buckeyes more for meat qualities than eggs.View attachment 4281906
Both flocks have been very personable and curious They come running when they see us!

I will also throw in a vote for easter eggers. They can be very personable, and most of the ones I've had have been great layers. That said, I've also had some that weren't very healthy. I've had two with crossbeaks and one who pretty much always laid soft shelled eggs and developed a reproductive infection. I've had several flighty ones, which isn't ideal if you want lap chickens, but I also had one who would allow my then 3yo son to pick her up and cuddle her.View attachment 4281909

I am getting a few Buckeyes this May and am very excited. I've wanted to try this breed for awhile.

 

[CraziChknLady]

It would be so hard to pick just one breed! I have noticed over the years that it's a combination of factors for me. Summers can be hot, Spring and Fall wet with crazy winter weather. It can be 50 one day,snow and freezing rain the next, then 70 the day after that. We don't often get snow, it's more of the rain or sleet that we have to contend with. On top of that, every predator imaginable. Mainly hawks, owls, racoons, possums, snakes, coyotes, foxes and bobcats. Anything white or mostly white colored is off the table. Light Brahmas or anything similar do not make it. Rhode Island Red, Amberlinks, or a mix are too aggressive so I don't get them any longer. My best/ favorite breeds have been the speckled sussex, silver laced Wyandotte, buff or chocolate orp, with the solid black hen or 2 thrown in. I currently have a Cochin mix hen and 2 some type of old english mix/ EE bantams in 1 small flock. Then a 2nd small flock of 3 Mille Fleur D'Uccle. Everyone seems to be doing well. I found it best to have at least 2-3 of each breed and go from there.