I can get 4 chickens, debating on breeds

[Beetlejuice]

I'll be building my coop later this year with the intention of having chickens again next spring. We are going to get 4 (city limit at the moment), 2 for my wife and 2 for myself. I originally wanted 2 RIR's but now I'm debating getting 1 RIR and something else. These chickens will be pets as well as egg layers. I like Black Rock's and Warrens but I haven't seen them over here in the US. Also, I intend to get breeds that are available locally (southern Indiana) so would have to be available through Rural King, Tractor Supply or a local hatchery.

So, fire away with recommendations!

 

[Percheron chick]

Get what makes you happy. I like a diverse looking flock of cold hardy good layers. I steer away from high production hybrid layers who are spent by 2-3. Can you cull your flock every 2 years or will you get attached to them? Find out who your TSC buys from and start there. They often will have a chart by the chicks of the breeds they typically carry. Easy to ask them to throw in some special order chicks if you want something else. Some stores have good buyers while others stick to 4-5 breeds that are predictable and boring.

 

[123RedBeard]

Welsummer, Orpington (pick a color), Plymouth Rock (pick a color), New Hampshire ...

 

[SueT]

Brown leghorns, buff orpingtons, barred rock...

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

Can’t go wrong with Barred Rocks or Buff Orpingtons

 

[TheYLWFlock]

BR, Orpington, Brahma...

If you want something unusual, perhaps a Silkie or a Polish?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

I am a Marans person, docile, easy to free range, yummy eggs that come in a nice dark brown shell. Not flighty. We have chefs here who keep them for their own egg consumption. Welcome by the way, from New Orleans. If you are interested, check out Cypress Duck Farm web site. Very nice people and they ship.

 

[123RedBeard]

A "tractor supply" type place may not have too many of the less common breeds ...

You should be able to find black sex-links, red sex-links (some times called "cinnamon" or "cherry") white leghorns, Buff Orpington's, Speckled Sussex, barred rock's, and Rhode Island Reds ...

 

[Sylie]

Barred rock and buff orp, in my experience, rhode island reds tend to be a little aggressive and overly space sensitive. If you choose RiR's make sure you have much more space than the usual recommendation in both coop and run.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Barred rocks, buff Orpingtons , and RIR are great! You should get some