Suggestions on all levels...

[Eggcessive]

I have barred rocks and a partridge rock who are colorful, lay great brown eggs, and are not prone to be broody. Mine are calm and pretty sweet. I would not get a rooster because we got 5 this year with our chicks, and we have had to remove some because of aggression, being too rough on the hens, and now that we just have a banty roo and 1 bullied roo that hasn't seemed to mature yet, the hens are so much happier doing their own thing. One of the best places to find info about every breed and color, as well as weight, egg color, broodiness, and temperament is Meyer Hatchery's websight. They will let you order as few as 3-4 chicks, too.

 

[meepitqueenie]

i live in upstate ny near burlington vt. so have similar weather to yours.

I have a mixed egg laying flock- RIR, Barred Rock, Black star, hamburg, EEs, - non of these have gone broody for me-

and now adding Wyondottes, barnavelders, orphington , and marans.

 

[meepitqueenie]

oh and some places like cackle hatchery and my pet chicken can ship as little as 5 chicks.

if you want something close to you check the NH or VT threads and see what kinds of stock that they raise

 

[JD4570]

I was thinking black Australorp. They are very friendly, dual purpose and excellent layers. One hen holds the world record for 364 eggs in 365 days. They also have a bluegreen sheen to the feathers. I'm planning on getting me some.

 

[tiki244]

Plymouth Rocks are calm and great egg layers. I love them.. They come in barred, blue, black, partridge, and white, and buff. and columbian, and pencilled. There are a lot of nice breeds to choose from in that chicken chart decider.though.

You mentioned heritage. I think the purpose of getting heritage breeds is to continue on with the older breeds that are falling by the wayside to newer hybrids and such. To get a true heritage breed one must buy from a person that has a line from the breed. (not hatchery birds) You could find a chicken club in your area or ask around for a breeder if you want to go that way. They would be a little different than hatchery birds, more to the standard of what the breed should be. If you decide on Heritage breed than is a rooster in the picture? Always good to help carry on the breed in that way.

Or you can always wait to get a rooster later. They are wonderful, roosters are, but one is definitly enough.

Buckeyes are nice friendly heritage breed too and beautiful color.

Dual purpose.

There is actually a big list.

Any heritage breed you decide on, you could more than likely get a list of breeders if you ask here on BYC.

 

[stephanie1992]

you should order from my pet chicken, they have pics of all there birds and disctriptions about temperment and purpose. the minimum order is 3 chicks, and u can choose from male or female on most any of them. the chicks come in the mail quick to. soo id go check them out to see if theres anything u like on there.

 

[poochgrmr]

Thank you for all of your input.
I will keep you posted.

 

[poochgrmr]

I am thinking of the Wyandotte. It states that the breed can be very broody. Not knowing what to expect...is being broody really bad? They get the mothering instinct and can get feisty??

 

[chickendales]

Quote:
i love a good broody hen

 

[poochgrmr]

But I am not planning on having any roosters so no eggs or chicks to raise afterwards. Why do you like the broody hens?