What are the trending breeds in your area right now?

[Thomas70]

At the moment, Silkies are a hot fad though you wouldn't catch me dead with one. Blue egg layers, especially EE seem to be pretty big, too.
Always in high demand, but low supply are Mille Fleur d'Uccles.

Edit so people stop asking
I strongly dislike Silkies because they are walking swiffers and the roosters are mean as spit. And they are very dumb.

I have silkies and would not have any other breed except bantams. They are very docile and will let you pet them. Occasionally you will get a rooster that is mean but I find that most roosters are pet able as well. And they are no dumber than any other breed. All chickens do is eat, drink, poop, scratch, peck and dust so no breed is really that smart.

 

[Cyprus]

I have silkies and would not have any other breed except bantams. They are very docile and will let you pet them. Occasionally you will get a rooster that is mean but I find that most roosters are pet able as well. And they are no dumber than any other breed. All chickens do is eat, drink, poop, scratch, peck and dust so no breed is smart.

Not true. Ever watch The Secret Life of Chickens?

 

[Thomas70]

Now I'm not going to lie I've had some pretty dumb silkies but I've also had some pretty intelligent ones. I've also only had one mean silkie cockeral and he was rehomed with full disclosure that two times he tried to spur me as a cockeral. In his new home he had no aggression. That said I've owned many silkies and have never had another aggressive one so I'm not sure where you guys got your birds. LOL. Although I do have one hen that when broody will try and draw blood on your hand. My other hens have all been fine. We do breed for temperament but even our starting stock was great. I think a lot of the "stupidity" of silkies is actually a lack of vision due to the crests. Some can also be brain damaged from the vaulted skulls.




Depending on where you are in Indiana I have a friend in Chicago that breeds English Orpingtons.

@Faraday40

Yes I figured they could not see well so I trimmed around their eyes and that resolved the issue. And yes they might peck you when they are broody but it is never a hard one. You have to remember they are in a state of sleep so they react to you as a threat. If I am asleep and someone wakes me I am not a happy camper either. The only downside for Silkies is they tend to be broody too often.

 

[Thomas70]

Not true. Ever watch The Secret Life of Chickens?

No but I agree to disagree. My silkies are not dumb and if you never owned any then you don't have a clue and the Secret Life of Chickens is just another person's opinion. Everyone has an opinion and I don't happen to agree with yours. There may be some dumb ones out there but they are not mine. The dumb ones probably got cross breed which screwed them up.

 

[gunslinger33]

I have 6 Bielefelders in middle Georgia. I haven’t had issues with heat or humidity. We free range our in the early am and late pm. Mid day they are in their run. They are amazing birds. By fat the friendliest of the 6 breeds we have. They are great layers too.

Sniper check out Orchard Hill Poultry in Griffin, GA. Brandy did have some BCM pullets for sale and BBM pullets too. She ships.

 

[Cyprus]

No but I agree to disagree. My silkies are smart and if you never owned any then you don't have a clue and the Secret Life of Chickens is just another person's opinion. Everyone has an opinion and I don't happen to agree with yours. There may be some dumb ones out there but they are not mine. The dumb ones probably got cross breed which screwed them up.

I've dealt with Silkies before. Very dull, imo. One breed isn't going to comform to the standards of one flock. It takes multiple flocks to establish a standard. For example, my Easter Eggers are devils but others swear they are angels.

 

[Amer]

I've dealt with Silkies before. Very dull, imo. One breed isn't going to comform to the standards of one flock. It takes multiple flocks to establish a standard. For example, my Easter Eggers are devils but others swear they are angels.

Meh, it's just your opinion. No biggie.

 

[HuffleClaw]

I have silkies and would not have any other breed except bantams. They are very docile and will let you pet them. Occasionally you will get a rooster that is mean but I find that most roosters are pet able as well. And they are no dumber than any other breed. All chickens do is eat, drink, poop, scratch, peck and dust so no breed is smart.

 

[denisesoderlind]

I like the big cocoa eggs from my Welsummer and she is gentle and lays a lot.
Astrolorp's are big in Austin right now.

 

[Cyprus]

Mille Fleur d'Uccles are definitely in demand in WI. The demand for mine is through the roof