Starting a new flock...breed recommendations?

[Tfred1399]

I'm starting a new flock of 6-8 layers in northern MN. I'm new to raising chickens and so are my 4 kids, 7 and under. I'm looking for a recommendation for a dual purpose breed (or two for variety) that will also be docile and cold tolerant.

Thanks!

 

[alexa009]

If you are looking for a good egg-layer and a cold tolerant breed then the buff Orpington is a good choice! They are also friendly! Especially the red sex link!

 

[Tfred1399]

I figured Orpingtons would get a nod. I know less about the red sex links. I'll have to do a little research.

 

[chicks are life]

Australiorps: big and puffy plus great layer
Buff Orpington: puffy and great moms and layer
Cochin: not good egg layer but great cold tolerant and broody
Barred rock: mine did great in cold even though all of her feathers were practily gone from a molt and she just had pin feathers.
Favorollas: do great and are OK layers
Easter eggers/Amerucana: great layer and does great in heat and okay in cold
Rhod island: mine did fine and she was a great layer

Any chickens do okay in cold it just takes time for them to change to the climate but some can't do good in cold example:seramas they are so small they need a heat lamp once it hits below some degrees.

 

[BrittanyG]

I agree, Buff Orpingtons are great! My Buffs are very friendly. I have a 2 year old and he can go up to them pet them and they don't mind at all. They also come running to me like dogs when they see me outside and follow me everywhere. Great breed to have with small children and they are good layers too.

 

[chicks are life]

Buffs are my top choice too.

 

[Tfred1399]

So I'm looking at probably 3 or 4 Buffs. How do Barred Rock fare? Rainbows maybe? I'd like some color variety.

 

[3riverschick]

White chanteclers. Come in large fowl and bantam sizes. A Canadian breed, they do wonderfully in the cold .you won't have to heat your coop .they play in the snow at 30 below. wonderful Birds .dual-purpose . The Roosters are noble and gentle and hens are gentle. there are some wonderful Chantecler breeders up in your area of both sizes. . you can check the club website, Chantecler Fanciers in International for the Breeders Directory.
Best ,
Karen

 

[chicks are life]

Barred rocks do okay with kids not the best but are friendly I forgot Wyandotte's on my list they are really colorful and come in many colors plus they are great layers.

If it were me:
2: buffs: layer,great with kids
2: barred rocks:,colorful,layers
3: Wyandotte's: colorful,layer
1: Cochin :for broody purposes

 

[BrittanyG]

So I'm looking at probably 3 or 4 Buffs. How do Barred Rock fare? Rainbows maybe? I'd like some color variety.

I recently got 3 Rainbow pullets. They are beautiful, but mine are still young and haven't started laying yet so I'd have to get back with you on that. I also have some Black Australorps like chicks are life suggested, they are great too. Mine are good layers and one of mine in particular is a great sitter.