Favorite chicken breeds?

[chickndays]

Looking ahead to a new batch of chicks and the options are overwhelming.
Need good layers since we can only have a small flock. We have done Barred Rocks. Prefer child-friendly breeds.
Suggestions please!

 

[The Birb King]

I really like Marans, Ameraucanas, and Speckled Sussex. Those are all very friendly breeds and good layers too

 

[fluffycrow]

Do you mind broody birds?

 

[chickndays]

Do you mind broody birds?

Prefer not. The most broody they've been is sitting on a clutch of eggs and leaving when the eggs are collected.

 

[chickndays]

I really like Marans, Ameraucanas, and Speckled Sussex. Those are all very friendly breeds and good layers too

Are any of them dual purpose and hardy for Midwestern winters? I definitely like the Sussex though.

 

[The Birb King]

Are any of them dual purpose and hardy for Midwestern winters? I definitely like the Sussex though.

I guess the marans and Sussex can be dual purpose, but probably not the ameraucans

 

[Chive]

The Sussex is a really good breed! I like Jersey Giants also, they are a really sweet breed. The Maran is also a good choice.

All three breeds are dual purpose, and do well in the winter.
The Jersey giant does take a little longer to mature, but when they do they are big! They are a very sweet breed, and do really well around kids.

 

[fluffycrow]

Prefer not. The most broody they've been is sitting on a clutch of eggs and leaving when the eggs are collected.

I see. Something like an ISA brown or anything Mediterranean?

 

[fluffycrow]

Ah. You want dual purpose birds. Keep in mind that a dual purpose bird will not produce as many eggs as way a leghorn, but still a fair amount. The vast majority of dual purpose birds also tend to go broody here and there

 

[chickndays]

Ah. You want dual purpose birds. Keep in mind that a dual purpose bird will not produce as many eggs as way a leghorn, but still a fair amount. The vast majority of dual purpose birds also tend to go broody here and there

If possible. We can only have 7 so our top priority is egg production.