I thought I was set

[valmom]

I really did think I had made up my mind with what breed I wanted my new babies to be (I am allowed two this year to just replace the ones that died last year). I have Easter Eggers now, and SO thinks brown eggs would be nice

I was going to go with production and order two Red Sex linked. Then I read that they produce like gangbusters for 2 years, then fade out. Since these are mainly pet chickens with the bonus of eggs, that would leave us a large number of unproductive years.

So, what breed(s) should I be thinking about? I thought NH Reds as a nice local breed, but read that they are dual purpose meat/eggs rather than egg producers. I need fairly hardy birds for the winters up here, and good long season production would be nice. (our girls stopped laying in November, and are just now giving us the occasional egg). It would be nice if it was a breed that lays well as they get older- we don't need a huge amount of eggs, just consistant.

 

[lurky]

Check your PM

 

[s6bee]

I would go with Dual purpose like Barred Rock, Buff Orphington, Austrolorp, Wyandottes. They are all cold hardy. They all make great pets, but Wyandottes can be a bit aloof.

 

[valmom]

Lurky- nothing in my inbox. Sure you sent it to me?

I was wondering about the Wyandottes- the lace ones are pretty.