What breed is best for me?

[nyrunner]

Australorps you won't be disappointed in. As far as friendly breeds I'd definitely get a buff orpington they are absolutely lovely and good egg layers just go broody once in a while. Also wyandottes are a great breed pretty friendly and excellent layers but that's just me

 

[Bridebeliever]

Gotta say it...Australorps win all the way around for what you're looking for!

 

[bluema]

Australorps you won't be disappointed in. As far as friendly breeds I'd definitely get a buff orpington they are absolutely lovely and good egg layers just go broody once in a while. Also wyandottes are a great breed pretty friendly and excellent layers but that's just me

Yes Buff O and Australorps are mixed breeds must in my opinion. My buffy is my flock alpha and such a gentle leader.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Gotta say it...Australorps win all the way around for what you're looking for!

I agree totally. The BO is the other good choice. Yes they go broody from time to time and can be stubborn about it but are fluffy and friendly.
I have both in my flock and the Australorp are my favorite but the Buffs are not far behind at all.


I keep telling my bird dogs that although they are golden and look delicious they are NOT for eating.

 

[Jesusfreak101]

Delewares are great

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes Delawares are great too. They are on the comeback list as they were nearly all gone. It can be harder to find good stock of them.

UBER friendly if you can find good stock.



This is Charger a hatchery Delaware in my flock. Notice the schmutzy markings between the wings. Not the best stock but friendly as all get out. She is 4 years old now and no longer lays. (BAD hawk scare last year and not one egg from her since) Not the best pic of her either.


This one was Miss Lillian Underfoot. Great chicken for friendliness but had a short life. Passed at 2 years old. Not sure what caused the illness but it was an illness not genetic issue.

 

[bluema]

Similar in looks to Delaware, Light Brahmas are wonderful. Mine was the cutest baby chick ever! Big bird with feathered feet, and just beautiful to look at. She was slow to mature, but ended up as excellent layer in later years. Very gentle and great forager.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Do the Brahma do well in high humidity and heat though?
They sure have a lot of feathering and are pretty birds. Just not sure about the heat.

 

[Jesusfreak101]

I have two delewares (breeding probably not the best i got them from tractor supply) but both are cery friennly Adella the biggest out of the two lets my two year old carry her around and trys to come into the house and watches through the windows to talk to me. And the smaller one who not as friendly but she follows me in the yard and talks she not big on being held but i think thats because adella gets jealous and lets her know it.

 

[bluema]

Quote:
I'm in the South in TN and my LB does very well. She is a foraging machine, and most gentle with her beak. She is a bit slower than others and gets her worms/bugs stollen by other girls. They always go after what she finds on her beak, and for some reason she doesnt mind sharing. Check out this thread as well. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/126425/brahmas-heat-tolerant