If you had to pick...

[MissMonty]

a bird that is hardy in the winter and very beginner friendly what would it be and why? (photos would be lovely if you have any but not required )



I'm starting to look into breeds and I won't like I am a little over whelmed with all the different breeds so I'd love some personal experience

I'm just looking for something that is hardy for the Ohio winters, good egg layer, etc. As of now the birds will only be used for eggs but eventually they may be dual purpose so that should probably be kept in mind.

 

[donrae]

For your area, the Buckeye would be the classic choice.

My other thoughts are Wyandottes, Dominiques and I always want an EE in the flock.

Wyandottes are a bit heavier than some other dual purpose birds, giving a better carcass for a table bird. Mine have been calm and docile and good layers. IMO the laced varieties are total eye candy

Here are some ladies having spa time...



and a little more photogenic...



No Dominiques, but lots of Easter eggers. They may not have the meatiest carcasses, but mine have always been great layers and who doesn't like colored eggs? Plus, you're likely to get different colored hens, which makes it easy to tell the birds apart in the flock.








And who doesn't love puffy cheeks?

 

[MissMonty]

For your area, the Buckeye would be the classic choice.

My other thoughts are Wyandottes, Dominiques and I always want an EE in the flock.

Wyandottes are a bit heavier than some other dual purpose birds, giving a better carcass for a table bird. Mine have been calm and docile and good layers. IMO the laced varieties are total eye candy

Here are some ladies having spa time...



and a little more photogenic...



No Dominiques, but lots of Easter eggers. They may not have the meatiest carcasses, but mine have always been great layers and who doesn't like colored eggs? Plus, you're likely to get different colored hens, which makes it easy to tell the birds apart in the flock.








And who doesn't love puffy cheeks?

Size wise do the buckeyes produce about the same size eggs and the are they a good dual purpose bird like the wyandottes?

 

[donrae]

I don't know about egg production, but they're supposed to be classic dual purpose, meaning the hens lay well and the cockerels are still worth butchering for the table.

 

[MissMonty]

I don't know about egg production, but they're supposed to be classic dual purpose, meaning the hens lay well and the cockerels are still worth butchering for the table.

Good information I'll keep an eye out for them around here.