Taking the plunge

[LilyD]

I have done broilers before from chicks to adults but I am ready to take the plunge and make a coop for egg layers.

Where I live we get very cold weather in the winters but our summers are usually 90 or under. We are looking for a bird that lays large or jumbo brown eggs, is cold hardy and friendly so my son can collect the eggs. Any ideas?

 

[galanie]

Orpingtons! They take cold very well and are easy going and friendly as a rule. When it was 20 degrees here with strong winds (something that almost never happens in my area), mine were strolling around as though it were a warm summer day. Some of mine follow me around like puppy dogs even when they know I don't have a treat and none of them are aggressive to humans in any way.

 

[FMAFarms]

Sounds like you're in Michigan!

Here's a list of cold-hardy birds that are great egg layers. I've noted which are also docile and friendly.

Orpingtons -- absolutely the best choice. Buff, white, and black are the most common; lavender and other varieties are rare. Affectionate and docile.

Australorps - also docile

Brahmas - loved by many. Several color strains available. Also docile

Buckeyes - developed in Ohio, so definitely cold hardy! Docile but also very active.

Cochins - lovely fluffy big birds, very friendly and docile.

Chanteclers - the "Canada" bird, very cold tolerant but tend to be flighty.

Jersey Giant - can handle the crazy NJ winters and the sweltering NJ summers. The biggest breed of chicken there is, friendly and docile.

Welsummers - docile birds, and the roosters have stunning plumage. The hens lay terra-cotta colored eggs

Wyandottes - Lots of lovely strains, such as Columbian, Silver Laced, Gold Laced, and Blue Laced Red. Docile, although some birds can be active.


I hope this helps!