Looking for breed suggestions for friend

[PioneerChicks]

I know there are a lot of threads like these, and I think I have this figured out, but I'll post anyways.

I am looking for breed suggestions for a friend. These are her requirements:

• Great layers
• Good in confinement
• Good for newbies
• All-climates hardy
• Not amazingly common, but not rare either
• A wanted breed, because she would breed them and hope to sell them for more than the average hatchery

So yes, she does want to breed. We definitely want a breed that fits the current chicken market. My ideas are Sussex, Marans, or Lavender Orpingtons. Any other suggestions? I think she wants a variety to choose from.

 

[BleuSaphir]

Marans and Welsummers are ideal. Who wouldn’t to want to have a beautiful dark chocolate colored eggs from them?

 

[PioneerChicks]

Marans and Welsummers are ideal. Who’s oils to want a beautiful dark chocolate colored eggs from them?

I hadn't thought of Welsummers! (Probably because I have never kept them, I'll go look them up in the "reviews" section ) Thanks!

 

[BleuSaphir]

I hadn't thought of Welsummers! (Probably because I have never kept them, I'll go look them up in the "reviews" section ) Thanks!

I suggested them, only because I know both breed are known to lay dark brown colored eggs. But I don’t find the appeal of Marans feather legged. That why I like the Welsummers. Clean leg look. I don’t know why I am bothered with feathered legs. lol

 

[WVBirdsAndBees]

I think your ideas are good. Those are all popular breeds right now that fit your friends general criteria. Orps and marans aren't always great layers but they're above average. Lavenders can be hard to breed for a few reasons but well worth the work.

Wyandottes would fit as well. I'm also a big Barnevelder fan.

Another option is to have a Marans roo over some Marans hens, as well as a few Cream Legbar/Easter Egger/your favorite blue layer hens. Then you get dark brown eggs you know are Marans and blue eggs that should be olive eggers.

 

[Texas Transplant]

Not sure what constitutes a good layer for you but, Marans are not nearly productive as many breeds out there. There are many sexlinks and breeds that are highly productive but, with that, there are many health and longevity trade offs. I think if you're just starting out AND breeding, an autosexing breed would be a good place to start.
Cream Legbar for blue/green eggs
Bielefelder for dual purpose birds with light brown eggs
A good Welsummer line that was specifically bred for autosexing and heavily speckled eggs
55 Flowery Hen for prolific white eggs
...... I wouldn't say that any of them are great at confinement but, I would say in general most birds don't enjoy being confined.
While Orpingtons come in many beautiful color varieties, they may also eat you out of the house.

 

[Shezadandy]

This is a fun idea generator:

https://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

 

[Texas Transplant]

I think your ideas are good. Those are all popular breeds right now that fit your friends general criteria. Orps and marans aren't always great layers but they're above average. Lavenders can be hard to breed for a few reasons but well worth the work.

Wyandottes would fit as well. I'm also a big Barnevelder fan.

Another option is to have a Marans roo over some Marans hens, as well as a few Cream Legbar/Easter Egger/your favorite blue layer hens. Then you get dark brown eggs you know are Marans and blue eggs that should be olive eggers.

Yes exotic Olive Eggers would be a great start & are in high demand.
BCM over Cream Legbar should be sexlinked too .....and have floofy hairdoos

 

[PioneerChicks]

I think your ideas are good. Those are all popular breeds right now that fit your friends general criteria. Orps and marans aren't always great layers but they're above average. Lavenders can be hard to breed for a few reasons but well worth the work.

Wyandottes would fit as well. I'm also a big Barnevelder fan.

Another option is to have a Marans roo over some Marans hens, as well as a few Cream Legbar/Easter Egger/your favorite blue layer hens. Then you get dark brown eggs you know are Marans and blue eggs that should be olive eggers.

Oh, I know she likes the look Wyandottes. Thanks for the idea!

Not sure what constitutes a good layer for you but, Marans are not nearly productive as many breeds out there. There are many sexlinks and breeds that are highly productive but, with that, there are many health and longevity trade offs. I think if you're just starting out AND breeding, an autosexing breed would be a good place to start.
Cream Legbar for blue/green eggs
Bielefelder for dual purpose birds with light brown eggs
A good Welsummer line that was specifically bred for autosexing and heavily speckled eggs
55 Flowery Hen for prolific white eggs
...... I wouldn't say that any of them are great at confinement but, I would say in general most birds don't enjoy being confined.
While Orpingtons come in many beautiful color varieties, they may also eat you out of the house.

I like selling chicks strait run so I don't have to deal with too chicks, but thank you. I will definitely look into Olive Eggers!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I have to give a vote for the wyandottes as well. Though not uncommon, they are a heritage breed and come in so many gorgeous color varieties, they are good egg layers, have sweet personalites (mine is a lap chicken, and to be honest friendlier then my silkies...). Seem to be fairly popular as well. I have to agree on the Marans for their amazing eggs, but your friend would have to get them from a breeder if they want the really dark eggs. BCMs lay the darkest in general.