New Member in MT

[JAbraham]

Hello! We are in the planning stages of a coop and run next to our garden plot. We have 4 acres next to the river, so lots of hawks and foxes. Planning more for a big run (120'x20') than free range due to predators. Our main purpose is for our toddler age grandkids, and quality entertainment...oh, and eggs. I'm most concerned with keeping our flock healthy by means of prevention. Diseases are my biggest concern. We'd like to start with 6 adult birds from a reputable source in the spring, then add a couple each year. I'd also like suggestions on breeds with priorities in this order - good with kids, cold tolerant, good layers, diversity in eggs, not broody. Looking forward to some great info!

 

[Jenbirdee]

i suggest orpingtons!

welcome to BYC!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Hello! We are in the planning stages of a coop and run next to our garden plot. We have 4 acres next to the river, so lots of hawks and foxes. Planning more for a big run (120'x20') than free range due to predators. Our main purpose is for our toddler age grandkids, and quality entertainment...oh, and eggs. I'm most concerned with keeping our flock healthy by means of prevention. Diseases are my biggest concern. We'd like to start with 6 adult birds from a reputable source in the spring, then add a couple each year. I'd also like suggestions on breeds with priorities in this order - good with kids, cold tolerant, good layers, diversity in eggs, not broody. Looking forward to some great info!

 

[swamphiker]

Welome to our online flock at BYC! For cold tolerance, you'll want to select larger-bodied breeds and/or those with small, compact combs which are less vulnerable to frostbite. Have fun on your chicken journey!

 

[JAbraham]

i suggest orpingtons!View attachment 3926588 welcome to BYC!

Thank you! Yes, Buff Orpingtons are on top of my list! I've read they can be broody, but still a great pick. Are buffs your suggestion, or others too?

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I would suggest easter eggers for and welsummers. Both are hardy (though welsummers have large combs) and lay colorful eggs. I haven't had any welsummers go broody. Out of all my easter eggers through the years, only one has wanted to raise chicks. She wasn't a good sitter, though, so was easily broke from her broody hormones.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[N F C]

Hi, this article was helpful to me when I first started:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ide-to-picking-backyard-chicken-breeds.64518/

Make yourself at home and if you have questions, always feel free to ask!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Jenbirdee]

Thank you! Yes, Buff Orpingtons are on top of my list! I've read they can be broody, but still a great pick. Are buffs your suggestion, or others too?

i’m mostly ducks and geese here but i also have 3 chocolate orpington hens they are big fluffy sweethearts, good with kids, good in cold ( but not so great in high heat)