putting together the shortlist

[Egghead_Jr]

I noted you have Blue Copper Marans and BLRW on the list. Keep in mind the blue varieties hatch blue, black or splash and it is hatchery choice what you are sent. If you have your mind on a blue variety and want to see blue feathers then you must order a group of them. You could be sent a black bird.

Personally I'm a sucker for the blue varieties. They provide diversity of color in the flock with a single variety of a breed. But you'd need to purchase a minimum of three to have odds of getting one with blue feathers.

Looking at your list again I note the different egg colors. You've checked off three of green or blue or EE (roll the dice what color) egg layers. You've also checked off four dark egg color layers. Those can be narrowed down. I don't know the quality of egg color from Meyer but I'd not gamble with EE, wouldn't get the hybrid green layer (another EE), that leaves the Blue Ameraucana of which you should get more of to see a blue bird. Of the dark egg layers Barnevelders don't lay very dark anymore, Welsummer's speckeled terra cotta eggs are nice and of the Blue or Copper Marans I'd lay odds the Copper lays the darker egg.

That would be four egg colors- blue, terra cotta with speckles, chocolate and tan. Enough of blue variety to see a blue bird. Limited order of 6 chicks- 3 blue Ameraucana, 1 copper marans 1 welsummer and 1 ?. The question is which tan egg layer- Gold Laced Wyandotte lay a light brown/tan egg for contrast and can have striking feather pattern.

 

[LaFleche]

Considering your climate and grounds it would be best to abstain from any feathered legs. So no Marans or Green Queens.

And as you plan on free ranging, abstain from crested or bearded breeds also, as very often these traits are bred to extremes and can be lethal to the birds as for example overgrown crests impair their vision, impede orientation and can in some cases even lead to starvation as they will not be able to see and thus find their food.

In case you cannot resist their cuteness, be sure to trim back hindering beards and muffs regularly to allow for proper vision.

From your list I can recommend the Wyandottes. Mine (SLW) are very good layers even at the age of 5,5 years old. Friendly, alert, easy to handle and their plumage is quite hard and will not soak in heavy rainfall.

The Welsummers are a good choice too, big dark brown eggs and nice temperament, not flighty, mine were friendly.

Although Barnevelders are very beautiful, I would not recommend them as they are known to be susceptible to Marek's disease, the same as Sebright.

Regarding the Speckled Sussex I read very differing ratings, some are lucky to have good and friendly layers, others report nervous sickly birds that hardly lay any eggs. So I guess it just depends on their origin and the degree of inbreeding.

If blue or green eggs are a must, Crested Legbars might be your best choice as they have only a very small crest that does not impede their view at all. They are good layers and quite agile and alert.

 

[3xhhheather]

I noted you have Blue Copper Marans and BLRW on the list. Keep in mind the blue varieties hatch blue, black or splash and it is hatchery choice what you are sent. If you have your mind on a blue variety and want to see blue feathers then you must order a group of them. You could be sent a black bird.

Personally I'm a sucker for the blue varieties. They provide diversity of color in the flock with a single variety of a breed. But you'd need to purchase a minimum of three to have odds of getting one with blue feathers.

Looking at your list again I note the different egg colors. You've checked off three of green or blue or EE (roll the dice what color) egg layers. You've also checked off four dark egg color layers. Those can be narrowed down. I don't know the quality of egg color from Meyer but I'd not gamble with EE, wouldn't get the hybrid green layer (another EE), that leaves the Blue Ameraucana of which you should get more of to see a blue bird. Of the dark egg layers Barnevelders don't lay very dark anymore, Welsummer's speckeled terra cotta eggs are nice and of the Blue or Copper Marans I'd lay odds the Copper lays the darker egg.

That would be four egg colors- blue, terra cotta with speckles, chocolate and tan. Enough of blue variety to see a blue bird. Limited order of 6 chicks- 3 blue Ameraucana, 1 copper marans 1 welsummer and 1 ?. The question is which tan egg layer- Gold Laced Wyandotte lay a light brown/tan egg for contrast and can have striking feather pattern.

Wow! Thank you for this! It's incredible because I have a list with everyone separated out into egg color, but still couldn't narrow it down as you have! I think I just kept getting distracted by how pretty all the breeds are The Gold Laced Wyandottes have been on my list forever, so that could definitely cross off the light brown egg category.

Also had no idea about the odds of getting a blue variant, it's the whole reason why I put them in the basket, that blue coloring is just plain beautiful. I think I'll have to make the case to order up a bit for them, with the bargain that I'll sell the extras that end up not having the blue.

 

[3xhhheather]

Considering your climate and grounds it would be best to abstain from any feathered legs. So no Marans or Green Queens.

And as you plan on free ranging, abstain from crested or bearded breeds also, as very often these traits are bred to extremes and can be lethal to the birds as for example overgrown crests impair their vision, impede orientation and can in some cases even lead to starvation as they will not be able to see and thus find their food.

In case you cannot resist their cuteness, be sure to trim back hindering beards and muffs regularly to allow for proper vision.

From your list I can recommend the Wyandottes. Mine (SLW) are very good layers even at the age of 5,5 years old. Friendly, alert, easy to handle and their plumage is quite hard and will not soak in heavy rainfall.

The Welsummers are a good choice too, big dark brown eggs and nice temperament, not flighty, mine were friendly.

Although Barnevelders are very beautiful, I would not recommend them as they are known to be susceptible to Marek's disease, the same as Sebright.

Regarding the Speckled Sussex I read very differing ratings, some are lucky to have good and friendly layers, others report nervous sickly birds that hardly lay any eggs. So I guess it just depends on their origin and the degree of inbreeding.

If blue or green eggs are a must, Crested Legbars might be your best choice as they have only a very small crest that does not impede their view at all. They are good layers and quite agile and alert.

Wonderful notes, thank you! Lots to consider, especially with the climate down here being so humid & fickle. Hoping to have everything narrowed down by this weekend.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Wonderful notes, thank you! Lots to consider, especially with the climate down here being so humid & fickle. Hoping to have everything narrowed down by this weekend.

I don't know if you read what the descrtiption of the different breeds says, but some of the "colored" types they sell, it does say they could also lay tan eggs rather than blue or green. (Like the EE's and green queens)
Can't wait to hear which breeds you decide on!

 

[3KillerBs]

I guess I didn't know people thought Wyandottes were bullies.

Nor did I.

My SLW, Popcorn, is squarely in the middle of the pecking order. Her breed-sister, Piccata, whom I sold, was right there with her.

Of course she's still not quite laying and maturity could change things, but I haven't noticed any aggressive tendencies at any stage yet.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

No aggression in my SLW either - but they were the last to join the flock, so you should discount my experience pretty heavily.

 

[3xhhheather]

Well, it happened. Placed the order with Meyer & instead of cutting the list down, I ended up adding to it to hit the 15 & save on shipping I did make the case & get my partner's blessing before checkout, but I love how he said, "ya know we were only supposed to have 3 ducks & now look."

Super appreciative of all the insight from everyone, it definitely helped me to go back over everything & make sure all decisions were the right ones

 

[LaFleche]

Well, it happened. Placed the order with Meyer & instead of cutting the list down, I ended up adding to it to hit the 15 & save on shipping

What breeds did you choose for your order?

 

[3xhhheather]

Couldn't help myself & ended up with a smattering. I did find a local farm that raises pullets for purchase or swaps, so if the EE's end up laying brown eggs or the Ameraucana is not blue I've got a plan.

I am still torn about getting more Swedish Flower or Blue Ameraucana...still have time to swap/add on to the order

Speckled Sussex
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Barnevelder
4x Easter Eggers
Blue Ameraucana
Welsummer
Swedish Flower
Salmon Faverolle
Black Copper Maran
Golden Laced Wyandotte
Black Australorp
Silver Laced Wyandotte