Getting chickens soon, HELP!

[savannah78754]

I am getting probably 3 females this summer, and I have had my mind set on Silkie Bantams for a while, But I have been reading that they are very often broody. I want one that is very, very friendly and from what I've been reading, "being broody" is not the best time. What are your suggestions, and what breeds do you suggest that are a.) Hardy b.) lay good eggs c.) and are very friendly? Thanks!

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I would suggest orpingtons...they definitely fit those three and come in many colors!

 

[DesertChickens1]

Personally I think leghorns are one of the best layers and are hot and cold hearty, they aren't as friendly as some of my other chickens I have now, but that's probably because I show most of the chickens I have now so I spend more time with them, I'm sure if you spent time and hung out with leghorns they would be friendly aswell.
EEs and wyndottes seem to be good aswell, I don't personally own wyndottesand my EEs are only chicks but my good friend owns them and they come up to me and say hi when I come to the coop, they lay good too, but I'm not sure how hearty they are. Good luck with whatever chickens you get!!!

 

[Farmgirl245]

Best ones for laying in the summer and winter would be Rhode Island Reds, Black Austrolorpe, Buff Orpingtons, Red and black sex links, and Barred Rocks. I've had lots of different types of chickens and these were my best layers all year round. I would have to disagree about leghorns though, they lay great in the summer but not the best in the winter. They aren't very cold hardy. During the winter put a light in the coop it will help dramatically when it's freezing. All of these breeds are very friendly, but Orpingtons are extremely friendly.

 

[Farmgirl245]

And I forgot silkie are great pets. But poor egg production during the winter mine aren't laying any right now and eggs are smaller, but if you live more south it would probably be fine.

 

[Farmer Pete]

Best ones for laying in the summer and winter would be Rhode Island Reds, Black Austrolorpe, Buff Orpingtons, Red and black sex links, and Barred Rocks. I've had lots of different types of chickens and these were my best layers all year round. I would have to disagree about leghorns though, they lay great in the summer but not the best in the winter. They aren't very cold hardy. During the winter put a light in the coop it will help dramatically when it's freezing. All of these breeds are very friendly, but Orpingtons are extremely friendly.

Does turning a light on mess with their night and day differences, or does it have to be infrared. I have heard both sides, and I was wondering about your thoughts on this. - Thanks

 

[keesmom]

"Being broody" means they are not laying. My kids have had silkie hens for a few years and they LOOOOVE to brood. They aren't mean broodies though.

Many breeds fit your want of a breed that is friendly and a good egg producer. Orpingtons, Rocks, EEs and Wyandottes fit the bill. I've had sociable black sex, and Hamburgs too.

 

[marchick]

I like Easter eggers!They are good layers of pretty blue or green eggs.I live in Washington state it gets cold and they do fine, cones are short and I don't have a problem with them getting frost bite.I have several that want to be held every time I go out Bambi will jump in my arms and want to cuddle every time.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

I am a new chicken keeper but out of all the ones we have, my Orpington is my fav. So fluffy and sweet.

 

[Farmgirl245]

Well the extra light and heat gives them a little boost for egg production it doesn't hurt them. But all breeds do have a little harder in the winter because of how cold it can gets and not has much light. I've been doing it for the last 6 years I have had only positive outcomes of it