Ok, so I am still trying to get the wood I need to start my coop (MY goal is to build here in the fall and winter and have it done in time for me to get the chicks for my birthday in March. I am not sure that anyone else in the house shares my goal but that is what it is...
) Anyway, while I am searching for wood... I am planning out my hens. I thought I had it all settled then I read something disturbing. I read that some hens are louder than roos!! OH MY would THAT have me in trouble! I searched for "quiet" chickens and have found that is sort of dependent on the bird. But, I am hoping that you can give me some input on the breeds I am thinking of to tell me if they are even worth trying in my suburban area. If any of the breeds I am looking into are notorious for noise I would rather steer clear than risk having operation "eat healthy and teach the kids where their food comes from" shut down. I understand "most" of the noise comes during the laying of an egg but I read something that said their hen bawked for an hour with each egg! YIKES! I clearly need to get more information before I start building.
So, the breeds I want for me are:
1. Rock
2. Sussex
3. Wayandotte
4. Jersey Giant
5. RIR
6. Red Sex Linked (so many names I have seen for this it is crazy)
7. Orpington
8. Brahma
I am wanting dual purpose birds here... and the less broody the better -- so I have not totally settled on the breeds (remember I only want 6 for myself) So I am still on the fence with the Orpington and especially the Brahma due to broodiness. Also, I really wanted one of each type and not a flock of all the same for variety in my flock. If that is not the best idea for noise I guess that will have to change too.
Now, after much begging from the kids, I have told them they could each pick out one hen to keep as a pet (who happens to lay eggs). They have selected:
1. Polish
2. Ameraucana
Any input you can give me would be of great help.

So, the breeds I want for me are:
1. Rock
2. Sussex
3. Wayandotte
4. Jersey Giant
5. RIR
6. Red Sex Linked (so many names I have seen for this it is crazy)
7. Orpington
8. Brahma
I am wanting dual purpose birds here... and the less broody the better -- so I have not totally settled on the breeds (remember I only want 6 for myself) So I am still on the fence with the Orpington and especially the Brahma due to broodiness. Also, I really wanted one of each type and not a flock of all the same for variety in my flock. If that is not the best idea for noise I guess that will have to change too.
Now, after much begging from the kids, I have told them they could each pick out one hen to keep as a pet (who happens to lay eggs). They have selected:
1. Polish
2. Ameraucana
Any input you can give me would be of great help.