What are some good breeds for me?

[cmlew99]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking of getting a few, meaning four or five, chickens for my backyard. There are so many breeds to choose from, its overwhelming. But I have requirements, and I'm not sure if the breeds I'm looking at have them.
Here are the ideal characteristics:
-Quiet
-Docile, easy to handle
-Egg layers (production doesn't have to be extremely high)
-Somewhat resistant to the cold- I live in the Northeast where temperatures drop below zero commonly in the winter

Let me know if you can think of any possible breeds! Thanks!

 

[cstronks]

Ok, the best options for you are probably Buff Orpingtons and Australorps, with Rhode Island Reds being a close second. All of these birds are hearty, heritage layers that do fine in cold weather. The australorps and RIR will probably produce on the same level, with the Orpington's having a drop off in production when compared to the other two. RIR are normally not very loud (hens), and they are docile in smaller groups. These are just suggestions though, as hybrid breeds and other birds could also fit the bill. Good luck in making your decision.

 

[keesmom]

Pea combed and rose combed breeds do well in the cold. Wyandottes, Brahmas, Chanteclers, true Ameraucanas, Easter Eggers, and Dominiques are all examples of those. There are rose combed Leghorns but they tend to be flighty. Rose combed Dorkings also do well but they are harder to find.

All the varieties of Plymouth Rocks are good in the northeast, as are RIRs and NH Reds. Orpingtons, Austrolorps, or any of the sex links should do well also.