Newbie....can't decide on breeds!

[KristaBeth]

I am a wanna-be urban chicken keeper. We are trying to keep it low-profile, so we are keeping no more than 4 hens. I really want good layers, and I've done a bunch of research but can't decide on breeds! Should I go with one each of my top 4 breeds? Right now I'm looking at RI Reds (of course, how can I not have our state bird??), Australorps, Red Stars, and maybe an Easter Egger for the cool colors. Is one of each OK or should I do two each of two breeds? Does it even matter? I have three kids, so I want breeds that are friendly and calm. Cold-hardy is important too since we're in the NE. Thanks for your patience with a newbie and any advice will be appreciated!

Krista

 

[Hotwings]

Welcome newbie! All your choices seem fine. Australorps are good birds, cold hardy, friendly and good layers. I like buff Orpingtons a lot. They are friendly quiet calm birds they have a tendency to go broody often. You probably don't want a roo so I would stick to breeds that are cold hardy, good layers and don't go broody. Australorps are good broodies and Plymouth Barred Rocks are another bird that are good and don't go broody as often. Red Stars (I don't have a lot of experience with those) are prably hybrids (?) and were designed to be strictly a layer. Amercaunas are good birds too and give colored eggs. Good luck with your choices.

 

[LarryPQ]

RIRs can be a bit..witchy. Not so snuggly, and they can pick on other breeds. EEs can be flighty, but most breeds can be tamed with lots of handling. You could get one of each of your breeds, and go from there.

 

[Koolduck]

I love my Barred Rocks...so calm...but my most steady layers are my Buff Orpington(a real sweety and broody too!) and my SLW. Wyndottes have a rose comb...cold hardy.

 

[Kinniburgh]

After two months of reading reading reading...I am officially a member!! Also a first time Urban chicken owner, I've chosen 6 Black Australorps. I went with them over the Red sexlink as the gentleman at my feed store has owed all chicken types and said these are the most docile and tend to imprint the best...a huge plus with kids. He said they are quiet and lay just as heavily in the winter as summer as long as they have extra light (they are unaffected by the cold). I also picked these because he said they are excellent sitters and if I want a few more chickens in a year or two, could easily have fertilized eggs adopted by a broody hen (no roos aloud). I've also read many articles and a book on breeds and found most info matched what he said. GOOD LUCK!

 

[feather leg farms]

If your a momther than I reccomend the silkies or the cochins or bantam cochins. They are like puppies!!!!! I have pretty much all silkies and I love them!!!! Welcome by the way!!

 

[apple4]

Well, I too am very new at this. We just received our first chicks 3 weeks ago. I chose 4 Red Stars, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 EE, 1 Light Brahma and 1 Australorp. I was looking for nice "pet friendly" birds as well as some good egg layers in a cold hardy environment. Our experience so far is this: All are nice birds and so much fun. At first I was disappointed that I got the Australorp. She hated being held and wanted nothing to do with us. Now she is one of my favorites. She is right there every time we stick my hand in the brooder and enjoys being by us and doesn't mind being held now either. She has a lot of personality. The Light Brahma and 1 Buff Orpintons have been the most easily handled from day one. Our EE's are nice and one is really mellow. The Red Stars will be my best layers (I assume) and they are nice birds, don't mind us petting them but they are not as cuddly as the Light Brahma or Orpingtons. I would say my most favorite is the Light Brahma then the Australorp. Next would be the Buff Orpingtons. Now that is based soley on their personality and pet friendly attitude and not on their egg laying ability. I realize that this all may change as time goes by but that is how they are at the moment. It has been so much fun watching them grow and develop. I really didn't know if I would get tired of it after the couple weeks or what to expect at all....but it has been nothing but sheer joy. Have fun. Amy