Help me choose my breeds...

For the cold weather......I'd pick Chanteclers, a Canadian breed developed for extreme cold weather. If not these, I'd pick a heavy breed such as orpingtons or any of the rocks(and I've seen no difference between a barred rock or white rock as far as egg laying or personality goes) or a heavy breed with a rose comb or pea comb which is good in very cold weather because frostbite is not as likely. Many others on here can help you more and I'm sure by this time tomorrow, you will have several breeds to choose from! Good Luck!

 

For eggs and all around good natured birds we have had great luck with Barred Rocks, Black Giants, and Australorps.

 

How "foul" is "foul" weather??

Well, if you have chickens, isn't it always fowl weather?

I would go with something other than White Rocks and RIR or RIW. Skip Leghorns, too. They are all sort of crabby in my experience.

I personally, based on what you want, would go with Australorps, Orpingtons, and Wyandottes. They all lay well and come in variety of colors/patterns that are pretty. They are also known as more docile chickens than the WR, RIR, or RIW. More Barred Rocks is a good choice, too.

I think Wyandottes are particularly gorgeous.

I'm no expert, but I think Frizzles and Silkies have some trouble with cold, and also are not repeat layers. They are more pet than chicken ​

 

I don't really know about your RIwhite question, I just have to say Barred Rocks are lovely chickens to keep, and the chicks are gorgeous! I have some out in the brooder right now. One week old.

 

For a white chicken I would go with a White Chantecler, White Orpington, White Rock or White Wyandotte.

Barred Rocks for sure, they are darling and so sweet.

EE's are great but if you want a guarantee of blue eggs then you need true Ameraucanas or Araucanas and they can only be obtained from breeders or Sandhill Preservation.

As far as the Jap Roo goes, they have a large comb that is susceptible to frost bite so he may need a home of his own on very cold nights in the house or garage with a heat lamp to keep him warm. Keep in mind once the comb is frost bitten and the dead area comes off it will not grow back.

I do not know how the feather footed varieties do in the snow but I can tell you that the silkies and Cochin bantams are great fun!

Also I think from my own experience that is best if you can get all of your breeds from a breeder rather than a hatchery. Breeder birds are superior in all aspects when placed next to a hatchery bird, they tend to be healthier and more vigorous as well as closer to what the breed is supposed to look like. Many hatcheries have breed things like broodiness out and breed in extreme egg production which can do a serious number on the hens. I know of a couple BYC members dealing with this now.

Just something to think about and hatching is SO easy and great fun for the family.

Best of Luck in your new flock and remember it is addicting so make sure your space is large enough for expansion.

 

Welcome to BYC. I'm a NY'er too and the weather does get cold here. Where in NY are you? Anyway I have a friend who just got a Japenese roo and he's the nastiest bird out of the bunch. I would look for function up here. Most "pretty" birds are typically not suitable for cold weather, but the ones you have are generally OK. If you like white with black tail feathers, Deleware's are pretty good for the North. Whatever you get, if you or your kids want to have a relationship with them, get friendly birds.

Good luck!