Want breed advice

[michickenwrangler]

Right now I just have some hybrid layers I picked up at TSC but for long-term, we would like a dual purpose breed for both eggs and meat since the hybrids will burn out in a few years. We would like something that will go broody (maybe not hyper-broody, but occasional individuals), is mellow and preferably does not have a single comb. It gets -20 in the winter. But, my husband has been sold on farm-fresh chicken and wants a good meat bird.

I was thinking Wyandottes. But since my husband wants a few Cochins, I thought that the Cochin female might be abe to serve as "brood hen" while I get something for eggs and meat that is a little less broody. Would having Wyandotte laying hens, a Wyandotte flock rooster, Wyandotte meat cockerels and a few Cochin brood hens be a decent set up?

Thoughts? Opinions? Other recommendations?

I've also considered Buckeyes, Chanteclers, Dominiques, Ameraucanas and Brahmas. My daughter is 5 yrs old so we need friendly, easy-going birds.

 

[Goose and Fig]

Sounds like you've done your research! The cochins should be great broodies. Wyandottes are great- but the Brahma might be good too for those cold days. I have both- they aren't as people-friendly as Orps & Rocks, but they're not agressive. The cochins will be great kid-friendly birds- especially if you can get some chicks and handle them alot.

 

[thedeacon]

I would still suggest some BO. They are single, but I also get -20 and have had no real problems in an unheated shed. They lay 4-5 eggs weekly all winter. Thy also are a good meat bird. Hatching some, along with your Wyn with your broody sounds profitable to me.

 

[Katy]

My wyandottes go broody a lot! So they could serve that role too.

 

[Chris09]

You can go with Bramas, Rocks, RIR there all good duel purpose birds.

Chris

 

[FlashPointFarm]

Are you set on getting just one breed? A mixed layer flock is always fun!

My Wyandottes go broody too. One of my best hens is sitting on a clutch right now. They are great birds and easy on the eyes also.

My favorite hen, personality wise, is a Barred Rock. Second runner up is an EE, both from Cackle Hatchery.

I don't have any Orp's (yet), but everyone I talk to really loves them.

Good luck with your decision. It's a tough one, I know!

 

[miss_jayne]

COCHINS! we can pick ours up and hug all over them, but they known for being good layers, mommas and setters!

we have blacks and blues and we believe they are great for Michigan ourselves.

 

[The Poultry Peanut]

Black Australorps are good dual purpose birds that lay great and is a good meat bird also. They can go broody though they aren't great moms they are okay at it.

 

[loverOFchickens]

Barahmas and/or orphington

 

[michickenwrangler]

Thanks for the advice.