help adding color to my flock

[mandapanda3186]

Hello! I have just started my flock of chicks...isa browns and barred rock. I think id like to add a little color/fun to my egg layers. I have 3 small children so docile and friendly is important. I was thinking maybe bantams? I know silkies are popular...maybe those? Or other breeds? I thought about getting an assortment from a hatchery...any suge0gestions?! I'm still new to this so all advice/ideas are so appreciated!!

 

[Illia]

Polish, Speckled Sussex, Wyandottes, Orpingtons, and Brahmas are all colorful breeds that are in most cases very friendly and good layers.

Another type, the Easter Egger (falsely sold by hatcheries as Ameraucanas) to me is a must! They lay green, sometimes blue eggs, and come in a variety of colors too.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Buff orpingtons are colorful and sweet tempered. The buff is actually a golden color. I love my orps.

 

[mandapanda3186]

A local tsc said they have aurocaunas(bad spelling!) Could they mean easter eggers? Or americanas? Are they easy to tell apart as babies?

 

[Illia]

Quote:
They mean Easter Eggers. As said, hatcheries and even feedstores sell them under false claim.

They're easy to tell apart, yes, and are sexable by color once they feather out.

 

[mandapanda3186]

Is there a lot of variety of easter eggers or basically just the hen color and rooster color? Id like to pick out a few different colors ya know? I suppose I could search forums for the answer

 

[Illia]

In most cases the hens are just brown and black, the roosters are black and white or yellow or red.

But, you may be lucky and get a white hen, or a white and black hen, or a gray and gold hen.

 

[danielle82]

I'll just be the "echo" here that says easter eggers

They would add color to your flock not only with non-standard color varieties and all sorts of unpredictables that you'll get some unusual and purdy chickens, but you'll also get some color added in your eggs! I don't know why, but I love gathering my eggs and seeing the different shades of browns and greens.

 

[danielle82]

Quote:
there is an easter egger thread here on the forum if you want to see some pics

 

[mandapanda3186]

Quote:
there is an easter egger thread here on the forum if you want to see some pics

I was just checking it out...thanks!