Looking for feedback on these breeds...

[DdlBug363]

I can recommend Australorp, and PBR from your list.

I would stay away from the hybrid/production layers (your second listing) b/C they are prone to reproductive issues.

I have never met a RIR that wasn't a mean tempered cranky old biddy.

In addition, you might consider Buck Eye, Dominique, and Easter Egger.

Keep in mind that the perfect bird does not exist! What you gain in one quality, you may have to give up a bit in an other quality. For example: Single comb leg horns are fantastic layers. But those huge combs don't do well in cold climates. Rose comb Leg horns do very well in cold climates, are wonderful layers, but not quite as prolific as the single comb leghorn. All of the Mediterranean birds have a reputation for being flighty.

Check out Henderson's chicken breeds chart. Be sure to pick breeds that do well in confinement, and that are "docile". Then, after you've picked out a few breeds, research a few hatcheries, and read up on what they say in their "profile" information of your selected breeds.

Keep in mind that you need to place your order early if you want specific breeds. You can order now, pay now, and secure your breeds and delivery date for a convenient time. Wait until the weather has settled into reasonable spring temps before having your chicks shipped.

I strongly suggest that you have your coop ready before getting your chicks. Wire it for electricity and you can brood your chicks right in the coop. No matter where you choose to brood your chicks, I strongly recommend the "Mama heating pad cave brooder" instead of a heat lamp.

I did not know that about the hybrids. Thank you

 

[AllenK RGV]

Personally we don't really care for our hatchery barred rocks, they're bossy and pick on the gentler birds. They also are less friendly especially when confined. We have some heritage bred Dominiques that we love but I haven't had them long enough to be able to say they match all of your key points.
We have had some great experiences with sex links particularly Isa Browns and Cinnamon Queens. We haven't yet experienced any illnesses with them and none have been aggressive. But we haven't had any past 18 months- two years old due to predators. We do free range but they also did just as well being locked up. We live in southern WI so we do have long harsh winters.
However we do prefer our heritage breeds to our sex links. Hatchery buff Orpingtons have also been good layers for us. We got 5 our first year and only one went broody. We bought two more last year because we liked them.

Last year we also added Buckeyes to our breeds. They have been great birds too but again we haven't had them long enough for me to say if they meet all of your criteria.
We have one Delaware hen that we like quite well too.

We also keep and love our EEs too and they've proven great layers.

These are just a few of the breeds we've tried many we've like, some we haven't. It's really a trial and error to find out what breeds work for you.

I wish I lived far enough north to try out Buckeyes. They seem an interesting breed.

 

[lazy gardener]

IMO, Buck Eye should do well any where a rose combed Wyandotte or any other pea combed bird would do. Has anyone said they don't do well down south? If I were down south, I do think I'd choose large combed birds, simply b/c it makes more sense, but that should not preclude you from trying a pea combed bird that catches your eye.

 

[AllenK RGV]

You are probably right but since I don't live in Ohio or Kentucky I am concerned about Buckeye branded agg. Please allow me my ignorance but I do appreciate them for their Large Fowl traits. I mean 9 pound Roos(wow).

 

[Dorking Dork]

I really recommend sex links and Plymouth rocks. To add to your confusion, have you considered New Hampshire reds? All of these are excellent egg layers in the winter, hardy, and all in all easy to care for.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I like this from the Livesotock Conservancy so going to link it for the umpteenth time............

 

[shadowfox]

My pullets haven't started laying yet, so all I can speak to are their personalities. I love my Barred Rocks. They are the sweetest birds we have.

I've got Australorps too. They were kind of my 'ideal breed' when I was researching what to buy. In fact I wasn't even going to get the barred rocks at all, but added them in at the last minute. Anyhow, the Australorps aren't flighty or anything like that, they're just boring compared to the others. They're pretty. Their plumage has a green tint to it that's amazing.

We also have a couple of Easter Eggers. They are fun. They're adventurous and have really pretty brown feathers with some black penciling (I think that's the right term). They've also been the biggest trouble because they're so adventurous... Getting out of the run over 7' fencing, visiting the neighbor's back yard... That kind of thing.

We'll see how my opinion changes once they start laying!

Hubby's opinion (I asked as he was walking out the door): He says his favorite personality is the Barred Rocks. Prettiest are the Easter Eggers. He loves the fluffy cheeks! Least favorite overall are Australorps.

Good luck in your quest! I think you'll be happy and love your chickens no matter what breed(s) you go with!

Edit: I noticed you mentioned noise level. Our barred rocks are vocal, not particularly loud, but they like to talk to us a lot. The Australorps, they're definitely the quietest of the bunch.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I really recommend sex links and Plymouth rocks. To add to your confusion, have you considered New Hampshire reds? All of these are excellent egg layers in the winter, hardy, and all in all easy to care for.

Just so you know I really like "dorkings" I just wish they were a good fit for me.

 

[Dorking Dork]

Just so you know I really like "dorkings" I just wish they were a good fit for me.

They are really nice birds, very gentle. They can be a little prone to broodiness, but actually, right now in CO, they are keeping right up with my Rocks and Wyandottes.

 

[lilmillefleur]

Easter eggers, plymouth rocks, australorps, chantecler, buckeye, sussex, black sex link are good choices. Again, no breed is 100% perfect. I wouldn't reccommend red sex links. RIR are good layers, though Sometimes they can be more aggressive with other breeds but if you dont have any really mellow breeds you will likely be okay.