What Breed Is right For Me

[PandaGirl]

Ok, so I have started multiple threads recently trying to figure out what breed I want. I still have not come up with anything, but I have come up with a criteria. If anybody could give me some suggestions that would be great!

A. MEAT- I want a good meat bird, I am not picky, I just want something that will be worth me taking time to butcher
B. BROODY- I need to have a high chance of a broody chicken, I will probably not actually let them sit on them all the time but my goal is to be able to raise my own chicks, with out using the brooder
C. Purebred- I want the same chicken every time I breed, I do not want to worry about what the out come is going to be
D. EGGS- I need them to be able to lay at least a small amount of eggs, not a lot because I will probably going to about 12-13 chickens

Also how many roosters will I need for 12-13 chickens, will they fight?
Thanks!!!!!!

 

[Kimberjo2]

Weelll...pretty sure they aren't pure bred but for a meat bird I'd go with Red Rangers. Those girls get BIG! And heavy. So do their eggs, like 2 yolk or just HUGE! Stick with 1 rooster or your going to have a lot of bloody fights and they do go to the death if they can get away with it. I have decided no more roosters unless I decide to get a brooder than I'll just separate since I have 2 different runs.

 

[Trish1974]

I think Orpingtons would be a good fit for you. With that breed one rooster should be all you need.

 

[PandaGirl]

Ok, I am seriously looking at Orpingtons and Brahmas ( excuse my spelling) which one would fit my criteria more? Also what color of each since I know there are way more then one of each?

 

[LizzzyJo]

Ok, I am seriously looking at Orpingtons and Brahmas ( excuse my spelling) which one would fit my criteria more? Also what color of each since I know there are way more then one of each?

I am also leaning orpingtons for you. They truly are the 'all around' chicken. I think they may be a bit better for you than brahmas only because brahmas have a very slow grow-out. If you're using them for meat, you may want to balance time/feed and process weight. Also, if you are new to chickens, you may not want to tangle with a full grown 12lb brahma rooster who can peck your belly button without being on his tip toes...

Edit to say the color is your choice and wont seriously impact anything with either breed. Except cost. Don't raise lavender or jubilee orpingtons for meat - it wouldn't make any sense. But they will do better on the breeder market.

 

[EverV]

Ok, I am seriously looking at Orpingtons and Brahmas ( excuse my spelling) which one would fit my criteria more? Also what color of each since I know there are way more then one of each?

Color is personal preference. Personality will be the same for all colors I believe. Brahmas are a great breed, but their feathered feet means that they require a little more care. However, if you're willing to do that, they can be a great choice. Here's an article I found from a quick google search: https://chickenscratchny.com/feather-footed-chickens/. Personally, I love orps. They grow to a nice size pretty quickly, have great personalities, go broody often enough, and lay a decent amount of eggs!

 

[PandaGirl]

If I got a buff rooster and had all diff rent kinds of orp. hens ( different colors) would there looks be the only thing that change or do the different colors have other personality.

 

[EverV]

If I got a buff rooster and had all diff rent kinds of orp. hens ( different colors) would there looks be the only thing that change or do the different colors have other personality.

I don't believe that the changes of color would affect personality more than the way you raise them did, but I'll wait for somebody else to confirm/deny that .

 

[LizzzyJo]

I've never seen any evidence that color determines personality. Breeder choices do, though. And of course how they're raised. It's possible that because buffs are so common that they may have more varied personalities than, say, lavenders or jubilee because those generally come from breeders. HOWEVER - you can now get lavenders and jubilee from hatcheries in which they would have the same personality. Overall, I want to say that even though some people may say there's a huge difference, it may be for their flock only?

 

[PandaGirl]

Ok, and do all of the colors go broody and are good for meat???