Looking for advise on what breed of chicken to add to my flock...

[Silkie75]

Hello. I have five 7 1/2 month old Silkies (4 pullets, 1 cockerel). This is my first flock and first experience with chickens. I wanted Silkies as I think they are so adorable and friendly. When I got them I knew they weren't great layers. None of them have layed as of yet. I also realize that it is winter and egg production decreases largely during the winter (we're in NY). I'm wondering if anyone has any advise as to a breed that I can add (2-3 hens) that would be good layers and would be suitable to live with Silkies. I realize they may not lay until Spring also, I'm just looking for ideas ahead of time so I can prepare and start my search. I'm just thinking that my Silkies aren't going to give us enough eggs (once they do start laying)- and I'll be frustrated that I have to keep on buying eggs from the store. Any help would be greatly appreciated! (Also, I heard brown eggs are better- but I don't know if this is true. If it is, I would like brown layers.)

 

[Nike]

Brown and white eggs are both good and healthy, neither is better

I have a barred rock in with my silkies and she's a good layer. She doesn't bug the silkies or anything. I also have a red star and a welsummer in there too. But really I think any breed is going to be okay. Barred rocks are good layers though!

 

[Silkie75]

Thanks Nike! I just looked up Barred Rocks and they sound like they would be a good fit! And they are really pretty too! This might sound like a silly question, but since I have Silkies and they can't fly, I'm unaware of how a "flying" chicken would do free range... I only let mine free range when I'm out in the yard- as I have 2 neighbors with dogs who get loose ALL THE TIME- grrrrrrrr... So I would be out there with them. Do they come back to the coop easily or are they hard to catch? Will they be flying all over the neighborhood (if so, I probably couldn't let them out)? My Silkies stay in my yard. Thanks! (BTW, our house is approved to have chickens, but we only have 2.5 acres)

 

[Nike]

Well they do fly more than silkies but my barred rock usually just stays in the yard. It kind of depends on the bird, if they're more docile or not. I have the same problem with dogs except their my own! But if you just keep an eye on them I think you'll be fine! If she starts going too far throw some scratch or something by you cause she'll run and get it!