I want chickens for large brown eggs......Which breed do you suggest?

[_Randall_]

I'm thinking about getting 6 or 8 (maybe 10) chickens just to have eggs for cooking, and give to family.......(preferably large brown eggs - I think?). Anyway, I see there's so many breeds out there, and not familiar with many except Rhode Island Reds. I just want a breed mainly for egg production, buy maybe also would be a good brooder if I decide to raise some "Mother Natures Way". I glanced through the "Breeds" list, but it's a very overwhelming list for this "wanter".....lol
I know this is a very open-ended question, but thanks for any info...

 

[jarcoo0153]

I really like the buff orpington! I used to have some they are a great breed!

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Give this a whirl: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=316042

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

For brown egg production, nothing beats the RIR and the Rocks (barred and buff especially). However, none of mine have ever gone broody.

HTH

Rusty

 

[Chicken Rustler]

I would also suggest looking into the red or black sexlinks I really like the ones I have.

 

[lizzy06019]

I love my Buff Orpingtons. They are super friendly and supposedly lay lots of beautiful brown eggs. Mine are only chicks but can't wait for their eggs!

 

[_Randall_]

Quote:
Wow! I know we're taught to "Call Before You Dig", but Eager-Me too impatient to dig before I call........lol
Thanks a bunch

 

[Dora'smom]

Buff Orpingtons are a nice breed, but so are Barred Rocks, and I understand the Sexlinks (Red sexlinks, black sexlinks, golden comets, cinnamon queens, etc.) are excellent layers. If you're talking personalities, I really enjoy my Black Australorp, and my Easter Eggers, but the EE's lay green, blue, or pink eggs, mostly. I don't know if that works for you or not.
It partially depends on what personality you want, and what characteristics you want in the bird. For example, some birds are flighty, and that isn't so great if you're going to have them totally enclosed, but can be an advantage for them if they are going to free-range. They would have at least a chance to fly away from some predators. This is a great time of year to start with some birds, as many feed stores have a variety of them, and you can order from hatcheries, as well. By the way, if you want really dark brown eggs, you might be interested in Marans or Dominicks, or Welsummers.

 

[Elite Silkies]

I love my Australorps and they lay really good. Some of them will even go broody. I just had a broody hatch out chicks. But...... watch out! They are mean broodies

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

I have buff orpingtons, RIRs, and golden comets. Best layers of large brown eggs are the golden comets, hands down.