New to this

[smadamek]

My family and I are getting ready to start raising our own chickens. We live in MT, is there any particular breed that does well with our winters and has a relatively high yield in egg production? Any feedback would help.
Thanks!

 

[sumi]

I'm afraid I cannot suggest any breeds as I don't know what your climate is like, but you are welcome to post on your state thread here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

and ask your "locals". Also have a look at our Breeds section to give you an idea of what's available and their characteristics, egg laying performance etc. Enjoy the site!

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Heritage breeds such as the Plymouth Rock or Buff Orpington are very hardy.

 

[Kilsharion]

Jeanne Fingar is at Black Diamond Mountain guest ranch in De Borgia, MT. She breeds chickens and can probably tell you not only about her breeds and how they fair up there; but, of other breeds and the pro's and cons of them.

She and her husband get pretty busy; but, she has always been a peach about responding politely and full of wonderful information.

 

[Niki the chicky]

Buff Orbingtons are GREAT EGG PRODUCERS in cold climates and they have a very friendly status with their owner

 

[chickelove43]

I was wondering if you can hatch chicks from a brooder lamp?

 

[Chicken Master1]

i dont think you can, it would be too drafty and there would be no way to control humitidy levels.

 

[sumi]

I was wondering if you can hatch chicks from a brooder lamp?

Not without difficulty. You can build yourself an incubator though... Here's some threads on how-to:


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=19675
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=21547
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8510
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=19496

 

[smadamek]

Thank you all for the suggestions!

 

[gryeyes]

check out Henderson's Handy Dandy Chicken Chart at: www.Ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Light Brahmas are hardy, too. But Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons are also good choices.