Help a first timer in breed selection.

[BacktoBasics13]

Hi BYC family! We will be ordering our first chicks ever this week! Larger suburban lot in Rochester, NY, staying small (8). Previously through research I had decided to do entire flock of Buff Orpington. Over the course of time and another year passing I have come to learn about a few other breeds I'd really like. I'd love to do a mixed flock but want to know if it g generally works out to do so.

My biggest hopes are that they are friendly, like to interact with humans, picked up, pet/cuddle/lap. Good egg production (we are big egg eaters and so is my family. Cold climate hardy. I know no matter the breed there's good and bad and no guarantee you will get that even if the breed is known for it but would love to hear just some opinions or guidance.

The breeds I am looking at are:

Buff Orpington
Barred Plymouth Rock
Easter Eggers
Brahma

Getting 8 to start, would it be wise to do 2 of each and get all 4 of those? I'd like to try and and limit chances of hostile interactions.

Thank you!

 

[dekel18042]

Hi BYC family! We will be ordering our first chicks ever this week! Larger suburban lot in Rochester, NY, staying small (8). Previously through research I had decided to do entire flock of Buff Orpington. Over the course of time and another year passing I have come to learn about a few other breeds I'd really like. I'd love to do a mixed flock but want to know if it g generally works out to do so.

My biggest hopes are that they are friendly, like to interact with humans, picked up, pet/cuddle/lap. Good egg production (we are big egg eaters and so is my family. Cold climate hardy. I know no matter the breed there's good and bad and no guarantee you will get that even if the breed is known for it but would love to hear just some opinions or guidance.

The breeds I am looking at are:

Buff Orpington
Barred Plymouth Rock
Easter Eggers
Brahma

Getting 8 to start, would it be wise to do 2 of each and get all 4 of those? I'd like to try and and limit chances of hostile interactions.

Thank you!

If gotten together they should all get alone. The nice thing about starting with several breeds is you can pick out which becomes your favorite. Over time I have found myself loving breeds I never thought I would and discontinuing some we started and hoped to have a flock with.
My EE"s are my favorite and they will throw some pretty colored eggs in the mix which kids seem to love. Mine are also super friendly, another bonus.

 

[kingchickies]

I too researched different breeds for friendliness and eggs. I decided to get a few different breeds that all said they were good for both. I have

Buff orp
Silver laced Wyandotte
Easter eggers
Black Australorp
We have a few of each breed that are super friendly and some are shy. But as we handle them they get better. They all cuddle together and everything. No problems