Hullo Friends!

[Pyotr Koecher]

Hi guys-new to the website but have been raising chickens for almost a decade. The only breeds I have had so far are Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Americaunos. I've been looking at new chicken breeds to try out, and also other species. I would like to try ducks, but have heard they are rather dirty (from my father). Also, I am thinking of raising Sussex chickens too. If you guys have anything to say about any of it, please do! I am open to anything and everything.

Sincerely, Pyotr

 

[sourland]

Hello, Pyotr, welcome to BYC.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC, Pyotr. Glad you decided to join our flock. If egg production is a priority, I would recommend Black Sex Links (marketed in the UK as Black Rocks) which are very friendly and hardy, egg laying machines. I raised them for years (along with dozens of other breeds and hybrids) and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 large brown eggs per hen per year with double yolks not being uncommon. I've been especially impressed with their persistence in laying in cold winter weather. If you haven't done so already, definitely check out our Learning Center at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center. There is lots of useful information there. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Cheers.