If you had to pick just one....

[sheilawagner]

Seeing that you live in WA state like I do, I'd not recommend the Polish. I had 9 of them, and I let them free range. In the rain, they would get sopping wet, and look miserable. They never looked 'clean' or 'primped' up, just looked messy a lot of the time. Not like the show birds or photos we see. However, I wasn't showing them, or I'd have to put them in small cages, to keep their feathers dry and in great condition.

Eventually I sold off all my Polish. I've decided not to keep this breed only because I do like my chickens to look somewhat happy and decent, with rain.

Perhaps you have an enclosed run that you intend to keep them in there forever, then you can consider the Polish. Just my two cents worth.

 

[queenbeezz]

Chicken Obsessed= those look exactly like my pair, Prissy (because she is and Beelzabob (because he is a little devil). She is sweet as pie, he stalks me and jumps me anytime I'm in the yard. If he wasn't so darn cute about it he would have been stew a long time ago.

Back to the original question--my vote goes to Bantam Cochins. They are sweet friendly birds, lay well and come in a variety of colors.

 

[BerrytangleFarm]

Great information on the Polish, hadn't thought of them. They'd be in an enclosed area, yes, since we have too many predators (including our own cats) about. How do the Polish compare to the Silkies?

 

[gumbii]

get what ever you like or catches your eye... everyone is going to recommend a different breed or type...



i think you should get cochins... pretty, docile, and available almost everywhere... and come in almost all the colors... and make excellent broodys...

 

[sonjab314]

I too love polish and they also come in bantam size too. I have a whole flock of Gold Laced Polish and I wouldnt trade them for anything.....well maybe a pet elephant but let's get real

Who wouldnt want to look at this face everyday and he's a total sweetheart to boot

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

A couple of people mentioned serama but don't they have troubles in extreme cold? I wanted to get some here in Colorado but am having troubles myself.

To your question, what's more important to you? Eggs? Looks? Personality? I think that probably matters before you order your chicks. Did you go to Henderson's breed chart?

 

[quintinp]

Quote:
With out a doubt I would choose polish

They are friendly, and comical... and make great pets, my favourate by far

same here i love those polish chickens, i especially love seeing them after it rains, hahahahaha

XD

 

[perolane]

Silkies & Showgirls!! I love mine!! They're all so sweet...there's never any fighting or squabbling, even the roos are gentle! Mine lay well, plus... you'll always have a broody or two to hatch for you!

 

[8ROYALS]

If it is going to be a small coop I would pick anything bantam. That way you could have more chicks....lol

 

[K9Carrie]

I would probably choose Salmon Favorelles, they are super sweet and calm! You could do either large or Bantam. Ask 50 people you will probably get 45 different answers....because really, they are all great!!!