MiMito3
Songster
I just love my very very smart and even tempered Delaware.I think source is the most important factor in getting a healthy breed with the exception of high production and meat birds like Cornish Cross. I have had birds for over ten years and without fail the ones I have purchased from backyard breeders are the ones that wind up having the most issues. I raise my own chicks now. From there I decide who to keep based on temperament and haven't had health issues with any of my hatched birds which currently are Delawares, Lavendar Orpington, Naked Necks, Marans and Olive Eggers. I have sent numerous birds (entire flocks actually) to retire at my mom's house and she just recently lost the last Buckeye from one of my first flocks. She still has several healthy Welsummers and Marans I gave her as pullets. I think if you steer clear of meat birds, high production birds and questionable breeders you will do well with almost any breed. I have heard bad things about the latest Cream Legbars flooding the market but don't own any personally to speak on that.