Top 5 Backyard Chicken Breeds

[cobbcruiser]

I got RIR the first time I raised chickens. They were great layers but I found them to be too aggressive to my Ameraucanas. I would not keep RIRs with the more docile breeds as I don't think that is a good combo based on my experience.

I'm surprised about your RIR's. I've got 1 in my flock and it's one of the friendliest. Now it will be the first to put another chick in it's place, but it's not aggressive at all. I'm wondering if the different experience just happens to be the individual personality of the chicken. I love my RIR. The aggressive one in my small flock is the Buff Orp.

 

[Bill Matthews]

To: Bullitt...I just ignore these types of articles in this magazine as well as most of the articles in Cappers, Backyard Poultry Magazine, Mary Jane's, and Chickens. These are just glossy mags put together quickly by people who seem to know very little about chickens. In this article I think the writer is just throwing out ideas and not trying to rank or rate any breed. You are absolutely right in pointing out that Red Sex Links and Black Sex Links aren't even mentioned. These two crosses(Varies in case of reds) are easily the two most popular for small flock holders. Of course the article wasn't about popularity but her ideas on suitability. We are blessed with so many different breeds, strains, and varieties that the possibilities are almost endless.

 

[bkdpatel]

I'd have to say RIR above BR

 

[danib]

Surprside not to see Australorps on here. Very friendly and awesome layers too

 

[Joultry]

I have had the privilege of owning speckled Sussex and think that if included on the list they would rank to at least 4 or 5 given that they are very docile birds and loyal layers. SS are my favorite breed that I have had so far. The SS that I've had have actually been pretty darn good because they've both gotten bit by a fox and have survived.

 

[Bullitt]

The Speckled Sussex is a very good all-around breed.

 

[PrecioustoHim]

Personally I enjoy having 'Eye Candy' in my flock. So as long as they lay eggs, and are healthy, some enjoy my company and make good pets, (they don't all have to) then I am well pleased.
I am a small flock owner with true breed Ameraucanas, Gold Laced Brahmas, and soon to be Blue Lasced Red Wyandottes (in the bator).
I have tried the Salmon Faverolles and they were difficult to tame, seems as though each time I stepped into their midst the more un-tame ones would screech and run, scaring the more tame ones and thereby making it extremely difficult to keep the tame ones TAME.
However the Ameraucanas are most Awesome. I can reach down and pet them, scoop them into the palm of my hand (everyone is 6 weeks old at this point) and carry them around. I birng them one at time into the house to laze around on top of me and doze while i watch TV for a long while.
So i am selling off all but one of my the hens, Caramel, because she is my favorite.
Oh well you live and learn in the world of chickens!

My little Splash Ameraucana Chick, Skittles, at almost 6 weeks old.




Snickers, my little Blue Ameraucana at about 3 weeks.


Hershey at 3 weeks. I think this one will be Black. There is another one that looks just like this one that I have named Cocoa.




Sit still so I can take your picture for corn sakes!
Little Salmon Faverolle chick, 3 weeks old, they are very difficult to catch and they are always trying to get away.
They have been raised with the Ameraucanas and treated the same way.
Go figure! The SF's are just skittish, except for one little pullet that is beginning to become a little more tame at 5 weeks old.

These next pictures are of my new hatch of Ameraucana chicks. They hatched on 8/28/13.
Sticky Buns, Canoli, Eclair, and Muffin









This is today. My beatiful Boxer girl, Summer, getting to know the new little bakery crew.








They found a nice warm place to snuggle and Summer doesn't mind.
She heard something outside and was grumbling under her breath and it did not scare them at all.

 

[chickenlady03]

funny i didn't now that

 

[chickenlady03]

cute pictures

 

[chickenlady03]

its funny how Ameraucanas are called "easter eggers"