Trying to set up a few backyard hens. Help please!!

Overall I would suggest Black australorps, they are said to be docile, heavy layers and hardy in heat or cold. I really don't know what breeds are quiet. Some hens are very talkative and loud(of any breed) and if you have roosters you are quaranteed to have noise.

I think the game breeds would be more alert to predators and hopefully they would sound the alarm but, really any bird doesn't stand much of a chance going beak to beak with a hawk . You might want to incorporate some guineas in your flock. They are noisy but, quick to sound the alarm and also are great tick and bug eaters.

Maybe other responders coming on to this, will have more to suggest.

 

Welocme to BYC!!! It is an aweosme forum (the BEST in the world) and has a great comminity!!! Hope you have a great time and learn A LOT!

 

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided join to our flock. Based on your criteria, I agree with drumstick diva; Black Australorps. I've raised them for years (along with dozens of other breeds), and they are extremely hardy in both cold and heat; friendly, calm, and gentle (my children and granddaughter made lap pets of them), relatively quiet (as chickens go), and the best layers of the standard, brown egg laying breed (and they are more persistent than most breeds for laying well in cold weather). And while they won't match game chickens for predator alertness, they are as alert as any of the dual purpose breeds. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Whatever breed you decide to get, good luck with your flock.

 

Good morning and welcome to BYC Abbie!

It might be tough to find just one breed that meets all your needs. you might want to try a mixed flock. Even if you only have a few chickens, it's interesting to see the differences in breeds.

I would suggest 3-4 birds just in case something happens to 1 of them, you aren't left with a chicken all by itself. Chickens are flock animals and always better with company. Plus, that will up your chances of getting eggs every day.

Have fun choosing your birds, no matter what breed you end up with, they are all special!

 

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined our "flock".

You've received some good advice already! One breed that I would really recommend is the Wyandote. Wyandottes are very good layers, friendly in my experience (mine are very personable, inquisitive, and docile), very cold hardy, and relatively quiet.