Happy hen lover
Free Ranging
Hello and Welcome Cliff. You are doing the right thing by studying up first. I live in SW Neb. neighbor I know Wichita is way warmer than here on the high grass plains.
I started out with Rhode Island Reds hardy breed good egg producers. I now have some leghorns and they are great layers but that big comb does get some frostbite when those winds howl to way below zero wind chill,! Most chickens do well in cold ; it's the heat that's a killer. Poor things walking around with down jackets on! That fact was a BIG learning curve to me.
Some breeds are bred for egg producing but they come with some reproductive issues sometimes. I would stick to heritage breeds instead of the hybrids for that reason plus they peter out sooner.
Barred Rocks good layer hardy breed.
Leghorn better layers , tolerate heat, combs can frostbite.
Buff Orpington are hardy, lower egg production, friendly, good first timer birds.
Australorp are hardy, good size, but they want to go broody( lay on eggs for weeks .. rooster or not) best layers friendly( at least mine is). I'd skip the feathered breeds and the light weight ones unless you just want one fun goofy little girl .
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to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
