The Perfect Free-Range Chicken?

[FayoumisFreak]

Free-ranging is a great choice for chickens. It provides exercise and a food source for chickens. But here in eastern Montana, there seems to be no obvious choice. Most cold tolerant breeds are predator magnets. In fact, the Fayoumis that I love must have a heat lamp in winter. So what? Starting next year, I am planning on combining different breeds. But I need some input from this gigantic online community. I am brainstorming different breeds and their characteristics to find the ultimate free range chicken. Egyptian Fayoumis- Predator Evasion, Flock mentality. Easter Egger- Egg production, Flight ability. Silver Laced Wyandotte- Cold Hardiness, Meat production. Any input or advice? All my plans are basic and flexible. This is all more of a fun project than a scientific breakthrough. I'd love to hear any tips, advice, alternate breeds, etc. Thank you for reading and/or responding!

 

[BlackHackle]

I do it all the time!

 

[123RedBeard]

Have you considered the Buckeye as part of the mix?

 

[redranger209]

Put some large game, like asil, so they r scrappy, weather resistant, better fighters, and more gamey meat.

 

[redranger209]

Make sure this is a thread like atlas the barred rock, and update us all the time.

 

[LilJoe]

Marans- cold tolerance, good foragers, meat, eggs, roos are good flock protectors (warns flock)
Orpington- good foragers, meat, eggs, cold tolerance, roosters are good flock protectors(warns flock)
American Gamefowl (pea combed)- great foragers, tolerant of cold, roosters are good flock protectors, roos are often protective of chicks

 

[FayoumisFreak]

Thank you all for the input! I'll have to do some research about these breeds and see where I can purchase them. I will update you all! Also, I'm just getting the chicks now, so it will be about a year until I have adult crosses.

 

[cmom]

I think breeds are personal preference. My preference is large fowl dual purpose breeds. I have a few in the freezer. Colder climates usually are better for close combed birds like Rose Combs, pea combs, less problem with frost bite. All birds can be free ranged. I don't give treats when the birds are out free ranging, I do give them treats in their pens and they go back in readily for their treats. They can be taught.

 

[FayoumisFreak]

Thank you for the advice!

 

[cmom]

Also, Good luck and have fun...