We have built, predator-proofed, and insulated a coop in our Colorado mountain yard at approximately 8300ft. Now we are ready to buy laying hens. What breeds are recommended for this environment?
My first choices would be Black Australorps and Buff Orpingtons, both of which are large heavy breeds that do well in cold climates, very docile and are excellent layers of brown eggs. They can tend to get broody, but in my book that's a bonus. As for myself, I have Black Australorps and I love them to pieces.