Quiet, non-flighty, low flyer breed

[Skyle]

One question, are feathered feet ok in a snowy area? (Asking because of the Brahma & Cochin)

We didn't had much snow in the last few years, only cold and strong cold winds, this year also a lot of rain. But as soon the chickens have a dry area (necessary also if it rains frequently) they should be fine. If it snows a lot and the snow remains for a long time, I'd build a covered run (or at least a partially) where the chickens can hang along and choose if stay in the snow or in the drier part.

 

[Iluveggers]

We didn't had much snow in the last few years, only cold and strong cold winds, this year also a lot of rain. But as soon the chickens have a dry area (necessary also if it rains frequently) they should be fine. If it snows a lot and the snow remains for a long time, I'd build a covered run (or at least a partially) where the chickens can hang along and choose if stay in the snow or in the drier part.

Thank you! They are both really cool looking breeds, so they might be a good option too!

 

[3KillerBs]

Brahmas! I never seen mine jump more than 3 ft (and they won't jump or fly higher due to their weight).

Just what I was about to say. Dumpling, the bird in my avatar, has never been seen to fly higher than about 18" -- even when she thinks that someone else is getting a treat she deserves.

As for Brahma feet in snow,

I have no direct experience, but I think that wet snow vs dry snow would matter. I expect that they'd benefit from having a covered area in the run so that they can stay out of the snow if they want to.

 

[Tervuren]

Bielefelder! They’re giant sweethearts! Very large birds and cold hardy. Plus the breed is autosexing, so she wouldn’t have to worry about accidental roosters.

 

[Iluveggers]

Bielefelder! They’re giant sweethearts! Very large birds and cold hardy. Plus the breed is autosexing, so she wouldn’t have to worry about accidental roosters.

Very beautiful bird! Thank you!

 

[Briosafarm]

Marans fit those requirements if she would like dark eggs. They're not usually lap chickens but they are very calm, friendly, and not flighty at all. You might mention to her that if she wants Ameraucanas or Marans, most hatcheries won't have the real thing so they may not live up to expectations for those breeds. As others have said, Brahmas, Orpingtons, and Bielefelders are good candidates.

 

[Briosafarm]

She could also trim the flight feathers on any breed to keep them from flying as high as the fence.

 

[Iluveggers]

She could also trim the flight feathers on any breed to keep them from flying as high as the fence.

I might have to help her with that!

 

[HiEverybirdy]

Your friend's priorities are good! Planning for the climate and non-flighty breeds when you're starting out is super smart.

I love Brahmas, but ours do have the gift of gab. They announce eggs from late morning-afternoon and can be almost as loud as the rooster One of our beginning priorities was a quiet breed, too, but chickens are such individuals, and chattiness seems to be a trait that's hard to predict.

Winter on feathered feet is a concern. That's where spacious housing is extra important. Here in TN, our feather-footed birds are closed in their nice, dry coop/covered run on the harshest slushy days. They're okay with it because they have enough room and don't like wet feet either.

Our hatchery Langshans have lighter foot feathering and are the quietest, most laid back birds in the yard. In their prime, they're laying 5-6 eggs a week. Two of 3 lay pink eggs. Ours are black and have a beautiful green beetle sheen. If you can't tell, I'm a fan!

Our Black Copper Marans have lighter foot feathering and are incredibly pleasant. They're quiet now but haven't started laying yet. Their breeder says her ladies talk all day long, so this may be the calm before the storm with those pullets. Our neighbors are far away, and we've come to adore happy chicken sounds, so it's all good

 

[Iluveggers]

Thank you for your very detailed reply!