Narrowing it down. Trying to pick a good backyard breed.

[lanibeegirl]

I am a newbie who lives in the City like suburbs on a small lot with a 3 foot high tight picket fence. I live in Eugene, OR with two kids 5 and 10 years old. We get alot of rain in the winter, but winters are fairly mild usually below freezing for a few days at most. Summers are somewhat short and mild rarely with temps that reach 100 for no more than a few days each year.

I am completely stuck. I like the idea of a heritage breed like the Delaware, but the personality information on them is spotty. I am afraid that they might be flighty around even well behaved children, noisy or aggressive in general. Also we are far enough North that would like a chicken that will lay in the winter or lays fairly well overall with a short winter break. I would like a pleasant clucky chicken with a sweet personality that will be a content family member in a nice coop and run.

So far I keep coming back to these breeds:

Buff Orpington
Delware
Wyandotte Gold Laced
Sussex?

Your input is greatly appreciated as I am just wants an honest opinion. I know all breeds have individuals, but I am having trouble deciding. Today, I am leaning toward 6 BuffO's. Yesterday, it was 6 Wyandotte's. Please help

 

[McGoo]

Lanabee,
Welcome to the fun of raising chooks.

I do believe that the BOs and Barred Rocks are really sweet. If you get babies and handle them frequently they will be more friendly. And if you do require that they lay eggs throughout the year a small light in their coop early in the mornings will help them to lay throughout the winter.

All the best. I think that raising chickens is the most fun I've had in years.

 

[BirdBrain]

Welcome!! With only a 3 foot fence in the back, you might consider some of the heavier breeds. I think brahmas are good with kids--make good pets. I second the opinion on Orpingtons.

 

[ksacres]

I don't really like any of them, but there are LOTs of people on here that swear by the buff Orps.

I had a Sussex once, didn't really care for it, other than the looks.

I've had Wyandottes, didn't really care for them, other than looks...

Never had a Deleware, don't like the way they look LOL


(*I* like Easter Eggers)

 

[halo]

How bout one of each?

 

[AtRendeAcres]

I will answer on what I have experience with!

I have:

Brahma really sweet!

Cochin to be really Great with kids any
people!

Plymouth Rock are very friendly

 

[Kentucky~Momma]

Personally, from your list, I only have experience with the buff orps. I Love them. They have great personalitities, the kids can go into their run, or open the coop and gather eggs, without us with them. We also have roosters in with our girls, and even they are sweet, and I think the some of the best lookin' boys we have! Our girls haven't missed a day laying either! Big bonus for us as we sell our eggs.

Hope that help!

 

[lanibeegirl]

I plan to build a nice coop for them with a fenced 6 foot high covered run maybe about 6' x 10'. I wouldn't expect the three foot fence to keep the chickens in. I'm not sure why I mentioned the picket at all. It will be cute for the chickens to look at anyway. Do you think I should add the Barred Rock to the short list of solid chicken candidates? Thanks for the kind welcome.

 

[Kristina]

I would say the Buffs are a good choice. Mine have layed all winter with no extra light. My barred rock girl is a * bad word inserted here*! She is always trying to chew my fingers off! But....every chicken has there own personality. I second the one of each idea...would make for a nice little flock.

 

[texaschickmama]

Welcome to byc and to chickens in general. I love our Buff Orpingtons. They are mild mannered. The more time you spend with them the better they are. My MIL lives in Albany. Ours just started laying on the 13th and I got 3 eggs today. It is so exciting.