My first flock - how's this list sound?

[FortWorthChicks]

My EE's crank out alot of eggs! People really get a kick out of the colors too. Kids go nuts. Mine are pretty friendly too. I have 6 Plymouth rock pullets in the brooder (heard they are friendly and great layers) and 4 Light Brahma, 4 buff orphington, and 6 more EE chicks

I over ordered. Wooops. They sure are cute though.

 

[Renee]

My Wyandottes are very nice pets and good strong layers all winter, but they don't like the Southern California heat. Once it gets up above 95 degrees for a week at a time they stop laying.

I would avoid flighty or Mediterranean breeds if you have very close neighbors. My Campine was loud, and so are the neighbor's Minorcas. I don't know about Anconas, they are soooo pretty, but they might be similar.

I have a Gold Comet (Red Star?) that I really like. She's exceptionally pretty and has a good friendly personality.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Isn't it great shopping for chicks.

 

[FollowingMyNose]

Quote:
Sure is!!

Well, I had to put a check mark next to the Wyandottes, Renee - it is a rare summer that we have a entire week above 95, so hopefully that will not be an issue. And I don't see Gold comet or Red Star on the lists I have but I'll look again.

I really do like the thoughts of the EEs also, FortWorthChicks - and cranking out lots of eggs is exactly what I am looking for. Ideal doesn't have a listing for them, but they do have Ameraucanas.

 

[FortWorthChicks]

have you looked at welsummers? Welsummer people love their birds! I hear they are friendly and have seen the dark pretty eggs they lay.

 

[crazyhen]

Also consider that the Jersey giants take a long time to completely mature. They are large. I don't know about their ability to tolerate heat very well. I live in Macon cty NC. Not far from North Georgia. My Orps sometimes seem to mouth breathe(pant) in hot weather but they layed well. Now they are trying to set. I have EE's, buff orps, Blue orp, splash orp, and Br. oops forgot about the comets and mixed brahma. All ten were laying except when they were molting and setting. Sigh. I am not well physically but better. They can not hatch chicks until I am better. They would pick now. I would love to have some babies. Gloria Jean

 

[kellykate]

ohhh fun! I loved choosing my breeds! I am in a suburban area on 1/3 of an acres so I had similar concerns as you. I have 9 hens and absolutely love my colorful egg basket and colorful flock! As you can see from my signature line I have 6 different breeds and have found they all get along fine --I don't feel you have to get two of each breed to have a happy flock -- so if you can't narrow it down you should still be fine! Although the charts and blurbs about the breed types are helpful --they end up each being their own chicken and lots of time don't folow the rules!!

I happened to get three EE's (although it wasn't my original intent) and I love their reliable, blue-green eggs and quirky personality. The Australorp is shy and quiet a very reliable layer. The Wyandotte is my head-hen, big and brave, a great layer. The Dominique is more of a pet -she is VERY friendly and sweet, a fairly good layer as well. The Campine is busy and active but not too wild, lays a nice white egg. The Cochin is silly and big and fluffy and actually lays a pretty brown egg almost every day --never been broody. Last but not least, the little Sizzle is sweet as can be lays very reliably but has been broody once already.

Your list looks good to me -- be sure to keep us posted on what you decide and HAVE FUN!

 

[they'reHISchickens]

One thing I'd like to say before you place your order: Those chickens had better not ever win! You are the boss and the mom. Act like it!
And you will be a wonderful mom

 

[FollowingMyNose]

Quote:
Wow...I just researched them, and you are right people love them. Added to the list!

I think Orps didn't make my initial list because of several references to them being broody. I hope you are feeling better soon Gloria Jean.

Thanks so much for the great feedback kellykate! We use to grow heirloom tomatoes for market, and picking out chicken varieties reminds me of picking out tomato varieties -- the info in the catalogs is a good starting point, but tomatoes don't follow the rules either!

i love your descriptions of your birds, and I have a feeling I am just not going to be able to cut the list back too much...actually, it is growing thanks to all the recommendations!! I will keep you posted and I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of the help and encouragement!

 

[PrinceSandwich]

If all your going for is eggs then try leghorns