what breed is best for me?

[Olivia.55]

I am new to chicken raising and I want to start with an easy keeping breed that does NOT lay a HUGE amount of eggs (ideally 120-150 annually). I want them to be able to get along with the other farm animals but also have a natural predator instinct and good build so they stay safe because they would be free range with the other animals. We also have cold winters and hot summers, so also adaptable and can live in relatively small flocks. Their coop would most likely be a two feet or so off the ground. PLEASE LEAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS BELOW, I am very open to advice and learning.

 

[The Phantom]

Easter eggers and buff Orpingtons. They are super nice breeds.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Definitely EE, Brahmas and Cochins.

 

[Buffbrahmasforever]

Brahma, very easy to raise and very gentle. I would get a darker colored bird so they stand out less.

 

[The Phantom]

Definitely EE, Brahmas and Cochins.

EEs are also very good alarm clocks when they see danger.

Brahma, very easy to raise and very gentle. I would get a darker colored bird so they stand out less.

Yup. Mine are super sweet. They are bantams

 

[Olivia.55]

EEs are also very good alarm clocks when they see danger.

Yup. Mine are super sweet. They are bantams

thanks for the suggestions, will definitely look into these

 

[hereford_girl_01]

I love my Buff Orpingtons! They are very calm and gentle. I don’t know how much they’ll lay yet, they’re only 17 weeks old. They’ve done well through the summer but we haven’t went through winter yet.

 

[Nats Chickens]

Araucanas and Brahmas.

 

[WildCHILD400]

Cochins possibly they are very sweet and alert.

 

[chickendreams24]

Buckeyes are a great heritage breed. Deep red color. Pea combs good layers. Great foragers. Underrated.

Wyandottes are also a great winter hardy breed with a rose comb. Not the friendliest but can be friendly. Come in some amazing colors. Look up the blue laced red and the silver laced.

Orpingtons are one of my absolutely favorite breeds although they have a single comb.

EE are amazing birds some can be a bit flighty but they're very predator savvy and many are also total love bugs. They also lay any color of eggs blue green pink brown. Etc. Note these eggs are normal inside the pigment is only in the shell. EE can be any color and are generally not considered a breed. (Some people will argue this.) More of a mixed breed that breeds somewhat true.

Brahmas are great birds also very calm come in a variety of colors. Have a pea comb very large birds may struggle in the heat but if shade is provided should do okay.