Hi, and a question

[Lolipop]

Hi

I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions for a good breed for a newbie. Here are some breeds that I have in mind:

Australorp
buff orpington
Easter egger
Wyandotte
Rhode island red
Belgian bearded d'Uccle
silkie
sultan
plymouth rock

thanks for reading!

 

[sourland]

First define the purpose of your flock. Do you want eggs, meat, dual purpose, lawn ornaments. The breeds mentioned all have their own particular strong points.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Yes, what would you like from your birds, companions? Egg layers? Meat? All 3? Or just cool looking and friendly?

 

[Lolipop]

I just want some new buddies!

 

[Back2MyRoots]

I just want some new buddies!

Well Buff Orpingtons are decent layers and a very mellow breed.... Well the hens are and I have heard the roos are, but our roo gives us fits! But our buff orpington hens are the most fabulous little ladies, so friendly and laid back and they all lay a pretty little pink tinted egg.

 

[redsoxs]

First define the purpose of your flock. Do you want eggs, meat, dual purpose, lawn ornaments. The breeds mentioned all have their own particular strong points.

lawn ornaments!

Good one, sourland!

Welcome to BYC!! Those are all good breeds! Why not consider a mixed flock - variety is the spice of life!

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you just want some good buddies, look for chickens that take confinement well and are not too flighty. Then handle them a lot, starting from Day 1.

You can use these sites to see what breeds you might be interested in. The Henderson Breed Chart has some good information on breeds and Feathersite has some great photos.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html#a

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html#Chickens

 

[Chicks Galore3]

My Buff orpingtons are the best!!!! Like back2myroots said, they are very mellow and friendly. When they were little, my BO chick Dandelion would ride around on my feet.

I have four of the breeds you mentioned:
Wyandotte- eh, flighty and a little mean to the other birds, mine aren't the best layers.

Australorp: Big and friendly! and good layers too.

Easter Egger- Pretty birds and pretty eggs! They take a little taming though. lay and egg 5-6 times a week too.

and of course, Buff orpingon- Love them! Friendly calm, talkitve little chirpings and pretty good layers to top it off!

I am going to get a barred rock this spring, too!

 

[Lolipop]

Thanks for the input, does anyone have/had sultans?

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!