Hello from Arkansas

[AR Country Chick]

I am a true newbie to backyard chickens. For the past several years I have toyed with the idea of getting a few laying hens for the back yard. Thanks to friends who have recently done the same I am now ready to take the leap - I'm still in the research phase. Can any of you suggest the best breed for me to start with? I definitely want a breed with high (& high quality) egg production. I am leaning toward Marans (particularly Black Copper Marans), but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rock N' Faverolles]

Welcome to BYC.

Are you wanting white, tinted, blue, brown, or dark brown eggs? and are you wanting a dual purpose breed that can be used for eggs and meat, or just a bird for eggs?

David

 

[AR Country Chick]

Thanks for the welcome. I want a dual purpose bird, although the thought of eating one that I raise in the yard doesn't sit very well. As for the eggs, I think brown to dark brown would be good. I definitely need somewhat docil birds (quiet, well mannered) I live just inside city limits and don't want to offend my neighbors.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Howdy Ar. Country Chick, That category would fit alot of chickens. Your best bet is to look in a poultry magazine, & choose an assortment of what you like,Then read about their disposition,Egg production & color,broodiness,etc. A few suggestions would be Buff Orphingtons,Barred Rocks,Sex-Links,Rhode Island Reds,WYandottes, ON & ON & ON..... WELCOME TO BYC!!!

 

[Rock N' Faverolles]

Were you wanting to get a few from a hatchery or get better, bred to the standard, birds? This would make a difference as to what people may recommend.

David

 

[AR Country Chick]

Preferrably bred to the standard. Since I'm new to this, I'm also debating on whether I should get hatching eggs or start with chicks. I understand (thanks to this site) the incubation process, but sounds like a lot of trial and error for a beginner.

 

[al6517]

 

[jenjscott]

Hi, Country Chick, welcome to BYC from Southeast Arkansas. Come on by the Arkansas thread for a howdy-do. Its a big thead though, so you may want to go to the end.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=37675&p=1

In general, the very best egglayers are not good meat producers, etc. Marans have gotten very popular and people have been breeding for egg color and not type, so you have to watch what you get. Just remember if your' going for the really dark eggs, you won't get as many as a commercial brown egg layer like a production red or a sexlink, but you will get more meat on your cockerels.

 

[hen-thusiast]

from UT! Glad you joined us!

 

[fldiver97]

from WI. Check Henderson's Chicken Breed chart for some breed info....it gives info on egg color, size, chicken temperament etc. Keep in mind that chickens do have individual peronaities but it will give you good general info. Then see what is available consider if you can have roosters if you are in town and want to hatch your own etc....Good luck, hope you find all the info you need.