Need advice on what breed of chicks to get

[Gindee77]

I'm going to the farm store next Wed. In fact, I'm going to two different stores to see what chicks they get in. I didn't order any but figured I'd rather get an assortment of 6 or so. If you order you have to get 6 of the same breed. If you get them at the store, you still have to get at least 6 but you can get assorted breeds.

My question is, what breed do you think is the best out of these 4? RIR's, Black sex-links, New Hampshire Reds, or Wyandottes? I need quiet chickens that are good layer and that can stand the cold, adapt to being inside or in a tractor. I have read all the literature but would like some first-hand advice from those of you who've had these breeds before.

TIA

 

[chcknrs]

I have 2 RIR's and they are soooooooo sweet, even as teenagers! They love to ride on my shoulder when I am outside. Today they found the sliding glass door. Was gonna take a pic, but the window is filthy from the dogs. (It's still a mud bog here).

I haven't had any of the other types you mention, so I don't know about them. I have read that RIR's are premium for egg-laying, tho.

 

[tntstanifer]

Hmmm, I would say RIR. I have 5 4 week old chicks and they are sweeties. But, I would really say BR if you can get those! I have 5 of those also and they fly up on my shoulder! I have one GLW hen and she's great also. Stays in a chicken tractor at night and free ranges durning the day. Good egg layer, about med to large size. I don't have any of the others, sorry.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Too bad you can't get one of each.

I have a RIR, NHR and have always kept a few Sex-links around and I think they are all great. I've had Wyandottes in the past (I have a couple of GLW chicks, but nothing grown-up) and they were very pretty, great layers and nice personalities.

I personally would go with Sex-links if that is all I could have. All mine have had super sweet personalities, wonderful layers and are just in general easy to get along with birds. Plus they are gorgeous, gorgeous girls.

 

[All about the EGG]

Our winters should be about the same. I bought a mix (5) of black & red sex links from the local feed store. They said they order those because they do well in this climate. The birds came from Ideal.

 

[Gindee77]

Thanks everyone!

I can have more than one type. Since I'm buying the chicks at the store, I still have to get a minimum of 6 chicks, but I can get an assortment. It was only if you ordered ahead of time that you had to get 6 of one breed.

I already have some EE's, Golden Comet sex-links (which are so friendly) and a couple BO's and one poor little BR that's probably a roo.

If ALL of these breeds I mentioned are good, I'll probably try to get some of each breed!! I want a mixed/colorful flock like I had years ago. But back then, I kept them out in the country and had no problem if they were noisy or rowdy. Now I'm in a neighborhood and don't want the neighbors to complain!

I checked the hatchery where the FS ordered their chicks and these were the breeds I may possibly be able to get, that I'd be interested in. (Cackle Hatchery)

I can hardly wait until April 30!!

 

[sbwhite0]

Good choice