Recommendations for backyard egg layers?

[Judy]

Two reasons I don't want sex links. They are a hybrid, so there is no chance of breeding a bird who is a full blooded breed. Probably because they were bred for laying, they seem to be more prone to egg laying problems, which are often fatal. (this is an impression from reading on here -- nothing scientific about it. May be just as true of hatchery regular breeds such as BR or RIR.)

My choice is Speckled Sussex, because they lay year round and are my friendliest birds, walking right up to me and letting me handle them even though I have done no training. Also marvelous eye candy. The black Australorps and buff Orpingtons come in at a close second, not quite as friendly but certainly docile and easy to handle, and lay in the winter.

Because of where I live, I prefer Ideal. Shipping is stressful enough on them that I think it best to choose a known hatchery close to you. Obviously, if you can drive to one, that is preferable. I've also gotten some from my local feed store, who gets them from Ideal, but that way they are a couple of days older when I get them, and THEY incur some of those early losses instead of me. Of course each chick is a bit more expensive this way, but for popular breeds we are only talking around $2 a chick or less. Besides, I can hand pick the ones I think look best. My feed store also lets folks put in an order with them, then orders these plus more for public sale.

 

[salunra]

Thanks, folks! You guys are so awesome for ideas.

I agree with probably staying away from hybrids. I have no intentions to breed right now, but that may change. Also, not real worried about dual purpose right now, but again that may change.

I want 1-2 EEs. I can't resist the idea of blue/green eggs.

Beyond that I am debating between the sussex, wyandottes, australorp and barred rock. I am not too far from mt. healthy hatchery if I want to pick birds up in purpose. They also supply my local tractor supply. Though I am not sure which breeds they will be getting this year. I called the store, but they do not know.

 

[abhaya]

My RIR is very friendly and gives me an egg a day unless she is molting.

 

[SunnyChic]

For the same reasons ddawn says, I suggest Speckled Sussex. Here's 2 of my girls in the foreground (they're speckled, of course!).

 

[salunra]

You people and your speckled chickens. They are just so gorgeous. We're getting some bantams as well and I am just obsessed with the mille fleur d'uccles. Too pretty.

I think I will get 2 EEs for variety. 1 australorp to have a solid color hen and steady eggs. And a speckled sussex cause they are pretty and so highly recommended.

You guys are great!! Thanks again!

 

[watsonlane]

I have Barrod Rocks (if that's how its spelled) they are wonderful! They were quick to start laying when we purchased them from an auction and have followed through with laying for us. They seem to be nice to the kids too (ages 4, 7, 9 and 13) All the kids can go in the coop with the 8 chicks and there are no problems!

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

Seem you have got some ideas, but the question has changed a bit...

EEs do lay colorfull eggs but are not in general solid winter layers. Many of the DP brown egg laying hybrids will have layed dozens of eggs before EEs figgure out what the golf balls are there for. EEs are also pretty much hybrids too so likely not the direction to go if pure breed chicks is a future goal.

Great to have a flock with lots of variety, but it won't give the same level of reliable egg production as a flock of chickens breed developed for that task.

 

[CoffeeCow]

My EE's don't lay nearly as much as my others do,
I get an egg a day almost from the Delawares and the BO.

The ee's do lay some cool looking eggs though, I have Green, Blue (x2), brown, and cream colored eggs from them.

but for the most eggs, try a Delaware, or from what I hear, black australop, and RIR's lay the best.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
A lot of people have trouble with Wyandotte personalities, as I did. I had a hen who was so mean I thought she was a roo til I butchered her, and the others were a pain as well.

 

[Beekissed]

Black Aussies and RIRs....if you want longevity of lay, nice birds, hardy and good foragers. I've never had any RIRs that were nasty or mean...on the contrary, they seem to be quite sweet and funny acting. Same with the Aussies...pretty, functional, sweet.

If I could only have four chickens, I would have 2 BAs and 2 RIRs.