Researching chickens for backyard flock-any suggestions?

[chrissynemetz]

I would recommend Easter Eggers or Wyandottes. They are cold hardy, friendly, and very pretty.
I would suggest Whitings also, but they can be pretty good escape artists...

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When my EEs were young and discovered the joys of flying over our 4' fence into the garden, we clipped one wing on each bird one night after they had roosted. By the time their flight feathers grew out again, they had matured and grown heavier, and I believe they had also forgotten they could fly. Few of them ever tried it again and it was never a problem again.

 

[Elliebeans]

Cochins are supposed to be pretty cold hardy, though mine is only 7 weeks old and hasn't gone through a winter yet. They're also supposed to be easy to contain and don't tend to wander. I'm not sure if the same thing translates to their bantam version though.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Brahmas are giant teddy bears of the chicken world in standard size.
They're available in bantam size too.

 

[Blooie]

I was just getting ready to suggest bantam Brahmas! I just love Brahmas! Any chicken that will fly up and snuggle right into my little granddaughter‘s lap, ignoring her giggles and flapping, and go for rides in her wheelchair has my heart!!

I‘m also an Easter Egger fan. I’ll always have some in my flock. Last fall we ordered chicks and I chose to get 2 Swedish Flower Hens. So far I’m very impressed with them. They are pretty, curious, quiet, gentle, and our Wyoming winter hasn’t bothered them one little bit.

 

[Ladybird CA]

I also keep hearing about cochins. I used to have one, and her problem was, she was a big girl. she kept breaking eggs by accident. does anyone know how I could fix this?

You can fix this problem by getting them in bantam size

 

[Klutch]

Naked Necks and Shamo's

 

[Chickassan]

My choices Dominiques and Faverolles aren't on your list but they are cold hardy and freindly

 

[sasquautch]

We live in Iowa and can highly recommend bantam Barnevelders, bantam Favorolles, and standard Buckeyes.

 

[Justso]

I'm loving my speckled Sussex, silverudd and welsummer, all newly hatching pullets. I have a Swedish flower hen that was a good producer in her day. My light Brahma has always been a bit of a disappointment, she eats a lot and is a bit of a bully.
I like Easter eggers, they all look a little different and lay beautiful eggs.