Starting Hens Poll

[Jacob Cockcroft]

So given that I am looking for a decent layer for a backyard coop that is heat tolerant, kid-friendly, and somewhat attractive, my first three hens should be...

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

I like Red SexLinks, BO, Rhode Island Reds, Americana, Silkies, (Silkies are great with kids, but not the best egg layers) and Golden Comets.

 

[chickencheeper]

Orpingtons are super friendly but i would go with a mixed flock of breeds(just not the ones on the poll) i would go with buff Orpington some for of cochin and Brahma

 

[Mraya]

So given that I am looking for a decent layer for a backyard coop that is heat tolerant, kid-friendly, and somewhat attractive, my first three hens should be...

I said Other 1 Orpington 1 Australorp and 1 Buff Rock

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

I like Red SexLinks, BO, Rhode Island Reds, Americana, Silkies, (Silkies are great with kids, but not the best egg layers) and Golden Comets.

I recommend 1 BO, 1 Golden Comet, and 1 Rhode Island Red!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I recommend a Black Copper Marans, Brahma, and a Welsummer. But with chicken math you might start with more.

 

[lilmillefleur]

BR, orpington, australorp, wyandotte, speckled sussex tend to be good dual purpose breeds.

 

[chickmom3941]

We only have three kinds of chickens from your list of breeds - australorps, welsummers, and wyandottes. I would say if you're looking for great layers, australorps win, hands down. They are egg-laying machines, quite friendly, and their beautiful black feathers with the green sheen when the sun is shining on them is very attractive, IMHO. I love the other breeds as well, but I doubt you're going to find a better laying hen than the australorp!

I'm going to edit this to say that an assortment would probably be best. Nothing like a variety of colors and plumage patterns to make a really attractive flock! We also have buff brahmas, and they are a very pretty addition, and super gentle.

 

[Jacob Cockcroft]

Very helpful input, thank you!

 

[sourland]

Since your stated goal is egg production, I would go with the sex links. Understand that their productive life expectancy is around 2 years and they do tend to have more reproductive tract problems. Most of your other suggested breeds tend to go broody which would negatively impact egg production. Good luck in establishing your flock.