Hen Breeds

[hhill]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I will check out the links!

 

[hhill]

I have just heard of Well summers, would you recommend them?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Again, depending on where you live. They're very cold hardy. I really like them, mine laid beautiful dark eggs.
However, a couple summers ago we had a month over 100 F and they died.

 

[hhill]

Thanks, they will probably be the first type of hen I get and maybe some New Hampshire Red or Rhodes? What type of environment do they like?

 

[annagarret]

You should first choose the breed based on your climate. That will minimize management/health issues.
Then think about your needs/wants. i.e. egg size/color/quantity, bird size, temperament, broodiness, housing, etc..
When you come up with that list. Then choose the color you want from the short list.
Color is variety, shape and other characteristics is breed. Many breeds come in your favorite color.
You might start here
http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

.......Climate issues are KEY. I have had ISA browns in the past and they have done well in very cold weather.

There are a lot of great people here!!!!!

 

[hhill]

Thanks annagaret, this is really useful!

 

[hhill]

Thank you so much everyone who helped! Now got a lovely flock of 4 welsummers, 4 light sussex, 2 copper black marans, a cuckoo maran and a marn cockerel!

 

[N F C]

Thank you so much everyone who helped! Now got a lovely flock of 4 welsummers, 4 light sussex, 2 copper black marans, a cuckoo maran and a marn cockerel!

Do you have any pictures of your flock to share? Glad you found some you're enjoying!