Hardiest and best laying breed

[ChickenCrazy8]

I was thinking of expanding my flock in the future. And I was wondering what you all think is the best chicken breed for egg laying and being hardy; both for winter and sickness/disease wise. I am currently sold on EE's; Cold hardy, small comb, good layers. But, I was curious of which breed you all think is the best!!!!

 

[Wyandottes7]

I think that Wyandottes are the best laying breed that is also hardy. My birds lay 4 eggs a week in the winter (sometimes in below zero temperatures), and six or seven eggs a week in the summer months (in 90+ degree heat). They have had no frostbite, nor any heat problems. I don't think that they would have any problems even in colder weather than mine have experienced.

I have one Easter Egger too. She's just as hardy as my two Wyandottes, and is a pretty good layer. In fact, she is probably pretty similar in all areas, but is not quite as good a layer.

 

[SuburbSpurs]

I say rhodies or australorps

 

[Wyandottes7]

I say rhodies or australorps

I agree with you; Rhode Island Reds and Australorps are good layers and quite hardy. However, I think that in extremely cold weather, their single combs would freeze more easily than the rose comb or pea comb of a Wyandotte or Easter Egger.

 

[SuburbSpurs]

Quote: That is a good point, but cant you get rhodies with rosecombs too? Those are a bit smaller.

 

[Wyandottes7]

That is a good point, but cant you get rhodies with rosecombs too? Those are a bit smaller.

Yeah, I forgot about that. However, I've never personally seen a Rose Combed Rhode Island Red, so I think that they are somewhat rare/difficult to find.