Tell me some cool breeds

[crazy rooster34]

I've had chickens for 4 or 5 years so I'm not new to them, but I'm getting a new flock soon of around 10-15 birds and i need some breed ideas i was looking for unique birds, so tell me what breeds you like or what breeds you know of that are rare or unique

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Much depends on your climate.
The following recommendations won't all work together. When I specify a variety (color) it is because they are rare in the breed.
Jaerhons, Penedesencas - especially black, White Minorcas, Anconas, White Faced Black Spanish, Blue Jersey Giants, Cubalayas, Fayoumis, Yokohamas, Andalusians, Orloffs, Appenzeller Spitzhauben, Andalusians.


http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKChickensA-C.html
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKChickensD-O.html
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKChickensP-Z.html

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

Gosh... where to begin... Standard or Bantam? Feather footed or clean legged? Crested, bearded, muffed or no? Are you going for mellow tempered? If you live in a warm climate, you might want large combed chickens. However, if you live where it gets below freezing, you might want small combed chickens...

I prefer clean legged because they are easier to maintain and are less prone to scaly leg mites... so I'll start with those.

These are just some of my favorites...

Nankin Bantams (I am currently trying to buy some but they are very rare)--> https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/chickens-101/all-about-nankin-bantams/

Polishes--> http://thewayofthechicken.com/index.php/2017/06/18/polishes/

Crevcouers--> http://thewayofthechicken.com/index.php/2017/05/30/crevcouers/
Sumatras--> https://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Day-Old-Baby-Chicks/Day-Old-Chicks-Black-Sumatra-p579.aspx

Ayam Cemanis--> http://thewayofthechicken.com/index.php/2017/08/09/ayam-cemanis-completely-black-chickens-inside-and-out/
Egyptian Fayoumis--> http://thewayofthechicken.com/index.php/2017/05/10/fayoumis/
Barbu D'Anvers--> http://www.aandjpoultry.uk/our-breeds/barbu-d-anvers-quail/
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens--> https://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Appenzeller-Spitzhauben-B11.aspx

 

[lazy gardener]

Depends on your climate, your management style: free range vs contained in run. Also, depends on whether you intend to raise your own in the future, or continue to buy replacement birds. I'd choose birds that have a reputation for being docile, and doing well in confinement. I would not choose birds that have a reputation for being flighty, or birds that do not play well with others. I would not choose feather footed or head fru-fru birds, but that's MY preference.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

What would make the birds "special" for you?

Eye candy? Then go with something like Appenzeller Spitzhauben or Polish or Fayoumi, or other fancy breeds

Egg color? Then Black Copper Marans (dark chocolate egg), Cream Legbar (vibrant blue-green egg), true Ameraucana (blue egg) , or true Araucana (rumpless, blue egg)

Unique looking while functional? Naked Neck, Favorelle, Dorking

Heritage keeper? Buckeye, German New Hampshire

I agree that you should look at your climate, your coop environment and flock lifestyle. Specialty breeds can be flightier and have more needs than free ranging layers (such as the long tails of the Phoenix).

This chart can help:
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

Good luck with your search,
LofMc

 

[bluebird]

Rhode Island Red is a personal favorite

 

[Domineckers33]

I seem to be in love with Dominekers & Blue orpingtons beautiful birds but as already mentioned it depends on what you like and your climate.

 

[crazy rooster34]

they would be enclosed in a 10 x 10 chicken coop with a 100 x 150 lot to run around in, i live in KY so hot in summer and freezing in the winter

 

[LilJoe]

I would get a mixture of heat and cold hardy breeds. I live in Missouri and my climate is very much the same.
May I suggest Legbars (heat), Wyandottes (mine are both), leghorn (heat), cochins (both), and marans (both)?

 

[Table4Six]

I've had chickens for 4 or 5 years so I'm not new to them, but I'm getting a new flock soon of around 10-15 birds and i need some breed ideas i was looking for unique birds, so tell me what breeds you like or what breeds you know of that are rare or unique

If you're looking for unique I'd go with naked necks, showgirls, or polishes. Silkies are a great breed too.