Suggestions for new breeds to add to flock

[Italianmango]

Hello, we are looking to add new breeds to our flock. Right now we have 1 Australorp, 2 speckled Sussex, 2 buckeyes, and 1 barnevelder. They need to be cold hardy, their purpose will be egg laying, and right now the pecking order is pretty good. I feel like no one is overly aggressive so I’d love breed suggestions that tend to be at the bottom of the pecking order. Any suggestions? Also, I know this isn’t really a breed question but which places are good to order chicks that tend to be pretty good/accurate in giving me females when I order females?

 

[Debbie292d]

Have you thought of Ameraucanas? They are very cold-hardy and are listed as a docile, friendly breed.

I'm sure there are others, but I being a silkie breeder in Wisconsin always thought about getting some of those as they are so pretty too.

 

[Iluveggers]

Orpingtons, Bielefelder & Brahmas would be friendly breeds.

 

[Italianmango]

Thank you for the suggestions! I’m researching them now

 

[Snowbelt]

You have some nice breeds in your flock. Jubilee Orpingtons look something like your Speckled Sussex and would be a nice docile addition. You might like one of the other Orpington colors like buff, lavender, or chocolate or blue/black splash. Buff, Light, or Dark Brahmas would be another breed that will tend to be toward the bottom or the pecking order. Check out Blue Cochins as well.

 

[SnowyClucks]

I think Plymouth Rocks would be pretty good! Decent egg layers (250+ from what I’ve heard) and they are docile towards humans. I’m not quite sure how they fare in the pecking order though

 

[Italianmango]

Thank you! Looking into those too

 

[Folly's place]

How about French Marans, also Chanteclers, and of course Easter Eggers!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

We've ordered from Cackle and MurrayMcMurray, and have birds from Meyers, and all have been pretty good with sexing chicks. I think Cackle has had fewest cockerels in pullet orders though.
Vent sexing chicks is difficult, and never 100% accurate.
Mary

 

[spankys_birdello]

Hello, we are looking to add new breeds to our flock. Right now we have 1 Australorp, 2 speckled Sussex, 2 buckeyes, and 1 barnevelder. They need to be cold hardy, their purpose will be egg laying, and right now the pecking order is pretty good. I feel like no one is overly aggressive so I’d love breed suggestions that tend to be at the bottom of the pecking order. Any suggestions? Also, I know this isn’t really a breed question but which places are good to order chicks that tend to be pretty good/accurate in giving me females when I order females?

I've got a couple day-old salmon faverolles hens coming in a couple of months so that I have a couple more cold-hardy layers in my flock! I have heard great things about their resistance to cold and their temperament. I hatched some last summer and they were all roos, haha, but both are very friendly boys!