Looking for breed suggestions for future chicken-keeping project :)

[Bosky]

I'm on a chicken-keeping hiatus due to working a job requiring me to live on a large farm... uh, but I can't have chickens here. Anyway, I miss my chickens, and am looking forward to the day when I can go back home and get chickens again. Previously I had a mixed flock of every breed that looked good to me, which was a lot of fun, but next time I'd like to focus on one breed. I'm hoping for some suggestions, just to entertain me while I wait for the day when I can bring home some chicks

I would like...

- A dual-purpose breed, with an emphasis on laying ability over meat production.
- Hens that will continue to lay well as they age... I have no interest in replacing the flock every couple years and I've heard some breeds do better than others thru the years?
- How about something a little unusual, a step away from the Easter Eggers, RIRs and Orpingtons? I would love to work with a rare heritage breed or at least one that you don't see everyday.
- A nice personality... my favorites in my old flock were always the ones that followed me around the yard and kept me company. Also, I don't care if the roosters hate on each other, but I can't keep a people-aggressive rooster because I'll have little kids around.
- And must be cold-hardy enough for Michigan winters. I really don't want to have to feel sorry for a flock of frostbitten chickies (again. Apologies to my Modern games).

I have to say I do like the dark brown egg-layers but, I'm not stuck on that thought. I also tend to prefer darker-colored chickens, both because I like the looks of em better and because I think they survive better as free-rangers. (As much as I LOVE Light Brahmas!) I've considered a lot of breeds and am mostly having trouble narrowing them down. What is YOUR favorite breed that fits these general requirements, and why?

Oh and my all-time favorite hen was, I think, a Wyandotte. Do all Wyandottes have such inquisitive personalities, or was it just Cocaine?

TYVM!

 

[Cats Critters]

Try this Quiz: http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

 

[americana-chick]

Maybe Cochins? They are a great breed but im not so sure on great egg laying ability.

 

[americana-chick]

I tried the MPC quiz for you and came up with Delawares and Faverolles. They are both great breeds and should definatly fit your requirements. But if you really want a bird that is more rare i would definatly go with the Faverolles.

 

[Cara]

How about Chanticleers? I'd avoid a feather-footed breed in a snowy/wet climate.

 

[hcammack]

Quote:
Faverolles woud be my choice.

 

[Gonzo]

I am an Australorp fan. They have great personalities, They lay big brown eggs, pretty much daily. They hold the world record for most eggs laid by a breed in a year. They lay all year round'

 

[zephyrcreek]

My Dels would meet all your need except for color. Though I have tons of predators here and have not had an issue with mine free ranging yet. They love to follow me around and they talk all the time. I also appreciate that my roos are very gentle and are the quietest of all my guys (and there are quite a few here). I average 6-7 eggs a week for every hen, even all winter with no lights or heat. They really are a neat breed.

I am also wondering about the Wyndotte personality. I have BLR's and they have even more personality than my Dels. If I do not immediately start talking and giving attention the minute I open their door they will jump on my shoulder. If I still ignore them, they jump on my head. They're all done this many times and seem to think it's funny to fight over who gets to be with mom. They were a lat hatch last year and have not started laying yet, so not sure about the egg count. I was not a fan of rose combs combs until I found these guys, but it just seems to suit them. Plus it's nice to not need to worry on those cold nights.

 

[DaughterOfEve]

You just described a welsumer. They are cold hardy, freindly, good foragers, on he heritage chicken "at risk" list, lay terra cotta eggs, dark coloring is great for blending in, and I want some myself.

 

[SunshineSteedFarm]

My Turkens (Naked Necks) are fantastic layers. They have only missed a couple of days here and there for the two years I have had them. They have awesome personalities and they come in many different colors. They are different looking

My two hens are probably the hardiest out of the bunch. They have never had any problems due to the heat or the cold.

Good luck with your search!