Looking for very friendly good layers for backyard

[Jenjens]

Where are you in the suburbs? I am in Dundee. I would suggest an Australorp (pretty sure I spelled that wrong) or barred rock. They have been good with the weather here.

 

[CrazyMountainChickenLady]

I am new to chickens, going to be building a coop in our suburban backyard for 4-5 chickens (that's the max we can have in our city). We live near Chicago, so it get's below 0 in winter and 90-100 some summer days. I want them as pets and also for the eggs. I'm looking for very friendly, docile birds that aren't flighty bc we have kids and dogs.
In all my research I was really leaning towards Speckled Sussex. Is that a pretty good option, or are there others that would be better? Also, what are thoughts about getting all 4 of the same breed vs ordering a few different bre

I am new to chickens, going to be building a coop in our suburban backyard for 4-5 chickens (that's the max we can have in our city). We live near Chicago, so it get's below 0 in winter and 90-100 some summer days. I want them as pets and also for the eggs. I'm looking for very friendly, docile birds that aren't flighty bc we have kids and dogs.
In all my research I was really leaning towards Speckled Sussex. Is that a pretty good option, or are there others that would be better? Also, what are thoughts about getting all 4 of the same breed vs ordering a few different breeds?

I am new to chickens, going to be building a coop in our suburban backyard for 4-5 chickens (that's the max we can have in our city). We live near Chicago, so it get's below 0 in winter and 90-100 some summer days. I want them as pets and also for the eggs. I'm looking for very friendly, docile birds that aren't flighty bc we have kids and dogs.
In all my research I was really leaning towards Speckled Sussex. Is that a pretty good option, or are there others that would be better? Also, what are thoughts about getting all 4 of the same breed vs ordering a few different breeds?

Barred rock and Orpingtons.

 

[Ribh]

Going against the grain a bit but I would recommend getting all of the same breed if you are new to chickens. Yes, you can have a mixed flock & they may all get along. Then again they may not. Having perpetual conflict in the flock is not good for anyone.

Chickens do like to hang with others of the same breed so if you want different go for similar in size, colouring & temperament as they are more likely to get along. I think Sussex are an excellent choice though they can be prone to broodiness.

Getting all the same breed will teach you to be a really observant chicken keeper as you will have to notice subtle differences between them. If chickens can tell each other apart [ & they can] you should be able to manage it. This is important later so you know who is laying, who's egg is whose, & who's not laying.

Sussex are quite large hens so require more roosting & run space, plus they eat quite a bit more.

If like so many of us you opt for a mixed flock I would recommend 2 of each breed you choose so each hen has a running partner.

Lastly, don't forget to consider bantams. The Australorp bantams are bigger than many bantams, & are excellent layers of decent sized eggs. They're not as tiny as many bantam eggs ~ more medium sized. ~ Ooops. I think I've doubled up on this thread. Sorrow.

All the best, whatever you choose.

 

[ChickenWhisperer101]

Have you chosen breeds and started a flock? Good luck!

 

[Lisawbsn]

I live just south of Chicago and really love my Buff Orpington, Australopes, and Barred Rocks. BO and BR are the sweetest and both cold hardy and are doing well in the heat.

 

[ChickenWhisperer101]

I recommend Plymouth Rocks, golden comets, Bielefelders, Welsummers and Marans. These are a few of MANY breeds I could recommend.

 

[Mellowmalt]

I agree to go with the same breed to start with. They will all come from the same place and so will already know one another vs all different ones will all be strangers in your care and that causes more issues and effort on your part (introducing them needs to be monitored and can take days till they get along). They can be easily identified with colored leg bands if they are all the same looking

 

[ChickenWhisperer101]

I agree to go with the same breed to start with. They will all come from the same place and so will already know one another vs all different ones will all be strangers in your care and that causes more issues and effort on your part (introducing them needs to be monitored and can take days till they get along). They can be easily identified with colored leg bands if they are all the same looking

Unless you get day old chicks, then they won’t be hard to introduce.

 

[jdragonwings]

Have you chosen breeds and started a flock? Good luck!

I have! I bought 6 day old chicks and then 6 weeks later bought 6 more (chicken math). I got nearly all different breeds and we love looking at all the colors! And I can't wait for the variety of eggs!
We have an Easter Egger, Black Australorp, Bielefelder, Light Brahma, Black Laced Silver Wyandotte, Buff Orpington, Lavender Orpington, Olive egger, Sapphire gem, Barred Rock, Silver Polish, Gold Polish

 

[ChickenWhisperer101]

Yay! Congratulations! Those are all amazing breeds! Do you have pictures of any of them? I have 4 of those breeds right now that are chicks and have had some of the others in the past. Good luck with all your chickens!