Match me a breed.

[Cattle dog Mom]

Yeah, that looks good. Wyandotte's would also be a great breed for you.

Thank you. I've been looking into them. I have until probably late spring before I get anything. But I am a major over thinker. LOL

 

[thatdirtyhippie]

North central Washington. (AAAAHH, They are SO cute!!!!) Where are you?

I am in North Carolina. And stumbled upon a small Flock an individual had been raising for years. And honestly didn’t like them because the reminded me of polish. And polish don’t do well in our winters... but these guys here.. I have 4 hens and get 4 eggs a day almost every day. Even when we’re in single digits they lay. They’re super docile, friendly, make Good mothers, and the rooster is the best flock protector I have.... it’s sweet. When I turn all My breeding coops out to free range the brabanters never
Mingle with anyone else. They always stick to themselves. I want a yard full of them. I’m taking a gamble this year and ordering golden brabanters from Ideal poultry to see how their stock is.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

I am in North Carolina. And stumbled upon a small Flock an individual had been raising for years. And honestly didn’t like them because the reminded me of polish. And polish don’t do well in our winters... but these guys here.. I have 4 hens and get 4 eggs a day almost every day. Even when we’re in single digits they lay. They’re super docile, friendly, make Good mothers, and the rooster is the best flock protector I have.... it’s sweet. When I turn all My breeding coops out to free range the brabanters never
Mingle with anyone else. They always stick to themselves. I want a yard full of them. I’m taking a gamble this year and ordering golden brabanters from Ideal poultry to see how their stock is.

I have a friend that has one. (Hers is a cream also.) They are so cute. (I'm not a fan of polish's either.) She is planning on getting another rooster some day. But I don;t want to wait forever. LOL

 

[thatdirtyhippie]

Look into ideal. They have both. Last year they sold out super quick and I missed
My chance on trying the Golden.

 

[chickenmama929]

wyandotte's or Black Sex Links.

 

[Allthefloofs]

If you don't mind crested, our Mottled Houdan fits all of your wants, she is extremely friendly, she prefers my company to that of the flock, tolerates confinement excellently, is larger, can handle cold and heat and has clean feet. I don't know about all of the breed, but ours is not remotely flighty like my high strung (but so loved) polish gals.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I think you’re looking for Dominiques

but not sure if you’ll find a local breeder with them ... is there a concern with hatcheries or are you just not wanting to do day old chicks, etc. ?

 

[Allthefloofs]

Where are you located? I raise Cream Brabanters and ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!

Those just got added to my wish list!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Looking for more ideas besides the ones I already NEED. (Java and Brabanter.) Much prefer recommendations from people that have or have had the breed. WAY too much conflicting info when you just "google". Look at 4 different sites and they generally say 4 different things. Which is accurate? It is quite obvious most sites are just copying what they read on a another site, rather than speaking from personal experience.

"Requirements" are:

#1 Larger size. (So no bantys, silkies etc...)

#2 Tends to go broody.

#3 Cold hardy, BUT won't suffer too much in the heat. (VERY low humidity though as I live in the high desert.)

#4 PRETTY! (I don't like plain old white, buff, etc... But I DO like solid black. LOVE mottled and spangled.)

#5 Not overly fluffy, Especially in the butt feathers. (So nothing like English Opringtons.) Just NOT practical in my area.

#6 NO FEATHERS ON LEGS.

#7. Docile temperaments. ( I don't DO aggressive animals of ANY kind. I don't take that crap from cattle or horses. Not having it from a bird either!) They don't have to be the "pet" type wanting to sit on my lap, but no going after me for sport either.) Also don't want any that are known for being on the aggressive side with flock mates. I'm not talking about "pecking order". Of course THAT is natural. I mean jerks that like to beat up on others for sport.

#8. No care at all for egg color nor number of eggs as that is not the reason for having them.

#9. Need to be tolerant of confinement. Will have large outdoor run, but no free ranging in the winter, so they need to be OK with that.

So what say you? Am I looking for a unicorn? Or do any of you have ideas for me to look into. Also wanted to say I will NOT be going the hatchery route. So no need to go into breeds that are overly rare and have 1 breeder in the USA that is on the east coast and doesn't ship! LOL

Speckled Sussex.

Hardy, sweet, GREAT forager, is the only one who is laying through the winter rn, and just GORGEOUS!

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I think you’re looking for Dominiques

but not sure if you’ll find a local breeder with them ... is there a concern with hatcheries or are you just not wanting to do day old chicks, etc. ?

Yes, Dominiques are great too! Bit rare, tho. Mine were a one-time opportunity, and I went for it.