I live in Central Wisconsin. What is a good breed for my climates?

[who'sgoingchickenhuntin']

I would like to get the most maybe 4 to 6 chicks. And I am just starting out so I don't know much, but I am learning as I can go. I plan on starting the Flock in next spring. I don't know what type of breed would be easy for handling and caring, yet ornimental. Now Building a coop I got a pretty good idea that i want to do yet make sure it stays expandable. My Backyard is 90 by 140 feet. Fenced in with a 5' chainlink. I plan on Keeping them as pets and for eggs. I hope someone can help me out, I don't want to just jump into it. I would like to have awesome looking backyard buddies and the benifit of tastey protien. Since I eat half dozen eggs a day.

Thank you,
Scooter.

 

[pipermark]

Larger rose comb breeds should do well. Wyandottes come to mind.

 

[anthonyjames]

I am in Port Washington, WI right on the lake.

I have the following:

Austrolaps
Easter Eggers
Plymouth Barred
Star Reds

You can also go to http://www.mypetchicken.com/breedQuestions.aspx

And this can help alot as well.

 

[KnitswithChickens]

I found this web-site very helpful when deciding on chicken breeds:
http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Also my BIL lives in Maine and has a flock of RIR that have handled the Maine winters very well (no heater but insulated coop) and are excellent layers.

Hope that helps.

 

[schoebel_taylor]

I live by Wautoma and I have had many types of chickens but RIR's seem to do the best for me.

 

[Relaxing with the Reds]

Hi there, I live right on the border of WI & IL and from the research I've done Rhode Island Reds are winter hearty, good layers and they are awful pretty to look at. Around Easter time Farm & Fleet as well as Tractor Supply sells day old chicks, just FYI. Good luck!

 

[who'sgoingchickenhuntin']

Guys Thanks for all the replies. Holy cow talk about prompt service. Another question, Do I need a male in the flock or would all females be better?

 

[raspeary]

Buff Orpingtons are supposed to do excellent in a cold winter. They are very hardy and good layers

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

I live in Northwestern Wisconsin and I have different breeds of very nice chickens, including the adorable Cochin Bantams, tho a smaller breed they did fine when we had temp about 20 to 25 below zero last winter! I'm sure they froze their little butts off but with all those feathers they were fine!

I think most breeds can handle cold for a short time period.

 

[steve2495]

COCHINS!! lol i am on the il wisconsin border s well they do great