So, we are going to get a couple chicks soon, and our local feed & seed store has Barnevelders, and Barred Rocks soon, which kind should I get?

[-ChickenLover-]

So they update their chick schedule regularly, and I just noticed, THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE LAVENDER ORPHINGTONS MARCH 12! yay! Also, my sister is going to get a sussex, and I'm probably going to get a barnevelder or lavender orphington, they're so pretty and aren't terrible egg layers. We got two black giants today as well, and a new hampshire red. They're pretty adorable, and my dad is thinking of naming his giant Missy. What do you think?

 

[MayzelT10]

(Barred Rocks Feb 12, April 23, but they have Barnevelders Feb 26 and July 9 ooooh and May 14 they have Lavender Orphingtons!)

I've got 1 sex link, 2 orpingtons, and 3 barred rocks (1 rock was an orphan from a friend with not so nice older hens) and the rocks are by far the most fun. They're energetic, personable, and witty. They can be kind of a handful, but gosh are they fun to watch. Mine tend to be a little mean towards the others though so maybe do some research before mixing breeds.

 

[scarrie54]

I love my Barney’s and the sweetest rooster ever!

 

[Karen K]

Earlier I did some research and I'm getting a couple Barnevelders and 2 more blue Australorps to add to my flock in April. The Barnies will take longer to mature before laying eggs (up to 8 months). I had to special order so they'd both becoming in at the same time in early April. Barnevelders are supposed to be very family friendly and like to forage. Also, Barnies are supposed to get along well with other chickens. Barnevelders are supposed to be talkers, though not loud.

Currently, I have 2 Blue Australorps and 3 Light Brahmas (one turned out to be a rooster). Both breeds are supposed to be very friendly and get along well with others. While I can't say the Brahmas are exactly aggressive, they do kind of pick on my blues a bit. Considering how sweet the Australorps are, I figure together the blues and barnies will overwhelm the Brahmas so they won't always get first 'peck' of the food like they do now.. My Australorps are very quiet. (The Brahmas aren't usually noisy though they can create a ruckus when upset.)

 

[Double Yolked]

I dearly love my Barred Rocks, I haven't had a chance to try Barnevelders but I'd really like to some day. I have found the BR keep laying steadily almost to the end of their lives. May not lay as many but they just never really stop, at least mine haven't. My beloved old Domino died this winter of old age, she was my favorite hen and right up until this last fall I still got the occasional egg from her. And I know she was at least 5 years old. I kinda lost track of hatch dates. I have Astralorpes at the moment and they just don't have the crazy fun personality of the BR.
Two years back Domino taught herself to use the cat door and one morning while I was making breakfast she marched in the door and stood next to my moochy cat and joined him in begging for treats.

 

[Strong86]

So they update their chick schedule regularly, and I just noticed, THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE LAVENDER ORPHINGTONS MARCH 12! yay! Also, my sister is going to get a sussex, and I'm probably going to get a barnevelder or lavender orphington, they're so pretty and aren't terrible egg layers. We got two black giants today as well, and a new hampshire red. They're pretty adorable, and my dad is thinking of naming his giant Missy. What do you think?

We have lavender, black, and blue orpingtons. Their personalities are great and they're beautiful, but we got them because they are cold hardy (all the butt fluff!) and we live in Canada. They struggle when it gets over 80 degrees, and it's been in the single digits and teens for the last 2 weeks straight and they are fine. They seem to thrive when the temps are around freezing - 60. I would avoid that breed if I lived in Florida, I would worry about heat stroke.

 

[BowCHICKawowwow2]

So they update their chick schedule regularly, and I just noticed, THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE LAVENDER ORPHINGTONS MARCH 12! yay! Also, my sister is going to get a sussex, and I'm probably going to get a barnevelder or lavender orphington, they're so pretty and aren't terrible egg layers. We got two black giants today as well, and a new hampshire red. They're pretty adorable, and my dad is thinking of naming his giant Missy. What do you think?

I had a barred rock. She was the sweetest girl. If you sat on the ground she would jump up on our shoulders. Good luck in deciding. Get a variety. I have the most beautiful eggs.

 

[HenneryTheEighth]

I have a Barney and hen. The hen is very much a talker and he’s a pretty chill rooster. My current chooks are a barnyard mix - and the one pure Barney in the lot is already charting away to me. I love Barney’s.

 

[KyCoop]

I have a Barnie and a BR. My BR is very sweet and chatty. My Barnie is not friendly and very LOUD. I would not have another Barnie. I guess she did not read the breed standard book on what her personality should be.

 

[BowCHICKawowwow2]