Small, regular chicken

[aart]

I have a Red Production and I would like to have another breed about that size, 4-5 pounds. I have Bantam chicks, but want a few more smaller sized laying hens and wondering what to look for. All the charts and info I have read conflicts each other. My hen is a good size without being too big and I would like to have a mix of hens that same size.

Makes sense......having never weighed my birds, am now curious what they weigh but don't have a good way to weigh them.
I have mostly hatchery EE and home hatched mixes(welsummer sire)...some are slim, some are heftier. I would think just staying away from the bigger breeds(brahma, jersey giants, etc) would get you something appropriate.

 

[Tlmcq]

I have a Red Production and I would like to have another breed about that size, 4-5 pounds. I have Bantam chicks, but want a few more smaller sized laying hens and wondering what to look for. All the charts and info I have read conflicts each other. My hen is a good size without being too big and I would like to have a mix of hens that same size.

Why if you don't mind me asking do you only want a small large fowl instead of bigger bantam fowl? Only asking cuz may help us better decide on breed that you're looking for based on something other than size. For example bantam Brahmas are a bigger bantam breed that are docile and lay well. They would be about your size requirement too. Welsummers are small, but having no experience with them I cant tell you about their characteristics, many here could tho.

 

[Sassysouth]

Makes sense......having never weighed my birds, am now curious what they weigh but don't have a good way to weigh them.
I have mostly hatchery EE and home hatched mixes(welsummer sire)...some are slim, some are heftier. I would think just staying away from the bigger breeds(brahma, jersey giants, etc) would get you something appropriate.

I am in the process of adding. Last year I knew I wanted chickens, but felt so overwhelmed and lost looking at breeds. I saw Red Production at TSC and bought them. I am adding to my chicken run to accommodate more, but still want to be conscious of size. I wondered my current hens size (because I like it) and had a digital kitchen scale and weighed her the other day. She was just under 5 pounds. I bought day old Buff Brahma Bantams and some Silkies this week, but would like to have a couple more the Red Production size, but different. It looks like LegHorns seem to be a smaller, full size breed and good temperments (in general). I would like to look at Easter Eggers, but it seems their size varies greatly (from what i read).

 

[BantyChooks]

I am in the process of adding. Last year I knew I wanted chickens, but felt so overwhelmed and lost looking at breeds. I saw Red Production at TSC and bought them. I am adding to my chicken run to accommodate more, but still want to be conscious of size. I wondered my current hens size (because I like it) and had a digital kitchen scale and weighed her the other day. She was just under 5 pounds. I bought day old Buff Brahma Bantams and some Silkies this week, but would like to have a couple more the Red Production size, but different. It looks like LegHorns seem to be a smaller, full size breed and good temperments (in general). I would like to look at Easter Eggers, but it seems their size varies greatly (from what i read).

Leghorns are likely a good fit for your climate, and they're good layers too.

I haven't found my EEs to be overly large or small.

 

[Tlmcq]

Yes Leghorn do fit your size requirement but are not what I would consider docile being they are flighty birds. Not saying they are unfriendly just skittish. They are great egg layers of white eggs and do well with free range too as they will run and fly away from most things that get near them. I love my brown Leghorn she reminds me of roadrunner...lol. EE's can vary in size greatly depending on breed they could be mixed with. I've had big and small ones, just depends on parentage. And just in case you were not aware large fowl and bantam do just fine together. The lil guys have enough attitude to do well with their bigger flock mates. But, I can understand you wishing to have relatively same size birds. How old are you reds?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I've never really weighed mine either! This is interesting.

Depends on where they come from, but hatchery Buff Orpingtons imho are fairly small. I would say just by holding them they average around 5-6lbs.

I have a couple of New Hampshire Reds, they would be comparable to your Production Red size I would think. Both are friendly. Black Australorp are sweet and close to this size as well.

I agree with @BantyChooks Leghorns may be a good fit. I have a white one, she is what I would call "dainty" but she's full of personality, slim, active and lays nice white eggs. That big floppy red comb is a hoot as well.

There's so many breeds to choose from - each comes with pros and cons. If you like the production Reds, then just about any that others have suggested would meet your criteria.

 

[BantyChooks]

Yes Leghorn do fit your size requirement but are not what I would consider docile being they are flighty birds. Not saying they are unfriendly just skittish. They are great egg layers of white eggs and do well with free range too as they will run and fly away from most things that get near them. I love my brown Leghorn she reminds me of roadrunner...lol. EE's can vary in size greatly depending on breed they could be mixed with. I've had big and small ones, just depends on parentage. And just in case you were not aware large fowl and bantam do just fine together. The lil guys have enough attitude to do well with their bigger flock mates. But, I can understand you wishing to have relatively same size birds. How old are you reds?

I have noticed that they require pretty frequent handling to make them docile.

 

[Tlmcq]

Barnvelders are also a bit of a smaller large fowl bird. And Buckeye's from hatchery aren't really big either. Both are considered docile breeds.

 

[Sassysouth]

My reds are 18 months. I had 4 and re-homed 3 due to bullying, but that is another topic on another thread. I might try to bring one back, but I am interested in looking at taking my time and trying other breeds. Instead of just having one breed, I would like to have a little mix.

 

[SequoiaBaby7]

I got a mix of different breeds from Meyer Hatchery and my Production Red and White Leghorn are two peas in a pod. They have very similar personalities, are always together, and neither of them are flighty. Both of them are my friendliest birds as well, they come running to the run door even when they spot me looking through the window just to check on them. Plus, they are only two months old but so far they are the same size. I think as long as you give them plenty of attention (and treats) when they're in the brooder, you'll be quite pleased with Leghorns and how similar they can be to Production Reds.