Orpingtons, Barnevelders, or wyandottes?

[Quarterhorses1]

Which should I add if I add to my flock?

 

[TooCheep]

What qualities are you looking for?

 

[Quarterhorses1]

What qualities are you looking for?

Honestly just something that’ll be easy to make friendly and live a long time. I had a bunch of RIRs and ISA browns die from egg issues, I just want something that’s not prone to these issues

 

[TooCheep]

ISA Browns are known to be prone to that. They are bred for heavy egg laying, but it costs them.

As for your original question, the only one I have experience with is Buff Orpingtons. I've had 3 hens (one killed by a hawk) and now three young pullets. If you spend time with them when they are young, their reputation and my personal experience are that they are some of the friendliest.

My oldest is 4 years, so I can't comment on longevity, but they should have at least an average lifespan. None of mine have had health problems. My experience is that they are also relatively quiet (compared to Australorps, RIRs and Barred Rocks).

 

[Sablehaven]

I haven't had Barnevelders, but I have had Wyandottes and Orpingtons. Out of the two, I would suggest Orpingtons hands down.

My Orpingtons that were raised by a human-indifferent broody are worlds friendlier than my hand-raised Wyandottes (no longer with us). I have two lavender Orpington darlings that follow me around the entire property, and one of them has learned unprompted to jump onto my arm. Thus far with my very mixed flock, the Orpingtons always stand out, including my current rooster who comes crying to me every time a hen is where she shouldn't be.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I have the 3 breeds, they're all great. Barnevelders tend to be shy. I don't think the health and personality differences between the 3ther than chicken color and egg color are very substantial so just whatever you find more appealing and available.

 

[Quarterhorses1]

ISA Browns are known to be prone to that. They are bred for heavy egg laying, but it costs them.

As for your original question, the only one I have experience with is Buff Orpingtons. I've had 3 hens (one killed by a hawk) and now three young pullets. If you spend time with them when they are young, their reputation and my personal experience are that they are some of the friendliest.

My oldest is 4 years, so I can't comment on longevity, but they should have at least an average lifespan. None of mine have had health problems. My experience is that they are also relatively quiet (compared to Australorps, RIRs and Barred Rocks).

Thank you so much for your response! I really appreciate it, that’s super helpful

 

[Quarterhorses1]

I haven't had Barnevelders, but I have had Wyandottes and Orpingtons. Out of the two, I would suggest Orpingtons hands down.

My Orpingtons that were raised by a human-indifferent broody are worlds friendlier than my hand-raised Wyandottes (no longer with us). I have two lavender Orpington darlings that follow me around the entire property, and one of them has learned unprompted to jump onto my arm. Thus far with my very mixed flock, the Orpingtons always stand out, including my current rooster who comes crying to me every time a hen is where she shouldn't be.

Thank you so much! I think I’ll add some Orpingtons then

 

[Quarterhorses1]

I have the 3 breeds, they're all great. Barnevelders tend to be shy. I don't think the health and personality differences between the 3ther than chicken color and egg color are very substantial so just whatever you find more appealing and available.

Oh okay, thank you! I really appreciate the feedback!