Planning to expand my flock....

[Ridgerunner]

I’m leaning toward heavier dual-purpose type breeds but I’m open to suggestions.

Why are you leaning toward the heavier birds? Knowing that could help a lot with my suggestions.

I live in North Idaho, so we get all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. I’m also expanding my run and coop, so space won’t be an issue.

So your record highs are around 110 F (43 C) and record lows around -30 F (-34 C). These are records, so not what you will see that often but it can still be pretty brutal. I'd consider that when selecting breeds. Some are more cold hardy than others and it is not always the ones you'd expect.

The biggest risk is frostbite of the comb and wattles, bits can turn black and fall off. That's usually more cosmetic than truly dangerous but it would bother many people. Pea combs and rose combs are less susceptible to frostbite than single combed chickens. A lot of people keep single combed chickens around you and do OK, but is is another potential issue.

I'll attach a link to Henderson's Breed Chart. It certainly does not have all of the breeds in it and has none of the crosses and "specialty" chickens offered by a lot of hatcheries but it may be a starting point.

Henderson's Handy Dandy Chicken Chart (sagehenfarmlodi.com)

I don't know what chickens are available to you. I assume you are getting them from a hatchery? If you have a specific hatchery in mind you might go through what is available and see how they compare to others.

Chantecler and Buckeyes were specifically developed for colder climates but are not widely available. Ameraucana aren't that big but have pea combs so are generally cold hardy. Brahma, Dominique, and Wyandotte might suit you. Practically any other breed I'd suggest would be single combed. You've already got some and they could work out well.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Thank you all for all your guys' advice! I forgot to add something to this post, but I decided to get started pullets this year, and I actually bought some farmyard mix pullets from a local farmer (who hatched too many chicks for her flock). They are not the breeds I was hoping to get, but it will be really fun to see how they turn out, and they are all super sweet! I am also excited to see the egg colors they lay, because the farmer partly wanted to breed for egg color. One of my black ones even has feathered feet, so I am thinking she has some Marans in her, which is exciting because I was hoping for that breed.

Some pictures:

This girl is so pretty:

A Marans mix?:

Again, thank you all for the advice & ideas!

 

[Mrs. K]

I think you will be quite happy with these. Just know I have been in this hobby and never do my plans follow through.

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

I think you will be quite happy with these. Just know I have been in this hobby and never do my plans follow through.

Personally we've always been fond of Americanas but lately have been intrigued by Malines Chickens, buckeyes, sussex and I think the overlooked chantecler.

 

[Mrs. K]

I always start with a plan...and never follow it. Just a week ago, looking for a white egg laying rooster...yeah, getting one from a former student, he is pretty, nice, raised in a multigenerational flock, and coming on a year old. Checks enough boxes for me.