What breed of laying hen should I get?

[nedfloyd]

My family and I have recently moved to an acreage in the central Cariboo of British Columbia Canada (100 Mile House area). There is quite a large chicken coop here on the property (30'X20') and we have decided to get some laying hens. Is there a particular breed that would be better suited for the cold climate we have here? It's very hot in the summer (28-32 degrees) and Very cold in the winter down to -40 but average of -15). Also, should we wait until spring to do get the hens? Is it better to get them as chicks or adults? We are new to chickens so any help would be appreciated - Thanks!

 

[tiki244]

I think Chanteclears. They come in many colors.

 

[tiki244]

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGA/Chant/BRKChanticler.html



Oh BTW

 

[tiki244]

There are really a lot of breeds you can get that would suit your situation. Rosecombed Rhode Island Reds is another. Brahmas.



I myself prefer chicks. You can make them friendlier that way. But you have to wait for eggs.

 

[tiki244]

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html


This may help

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

A couple/few Easter Eggers are always fun to have around.

 

[highcountrychickens]

I have Wyandottes and Black Jersey Giants that have done really well in Rocky mountain climate - the Wyandottes have strawberry combs that are less likely to suffer frostbite, and both hen breeds have laid without a hiccup through the winter. I have been doing a lot of research and Black Australorps seem to rise to the top for easy going nature that stands confinement well (a plus with big winters when they have to stay in the henhouse for a few days)
When you get them depends on your interest. If you want to raise chicks, I'd get them soon and brood them inside - will be big enough to go outside when the snow melts. If you're buying adult hens, I'd seek advice from other users about how well adult hens continue to lay when they have been shipped.

There really is something sweet about raising your own... I have 7 more in my office right now, growing and getting ready for spring. There is so much information about it on this site - it's really worthwhile.

Have fun!

 

[ghulst]

If you want them for pets and eggs I would go with a red sex-linked. They are the best layers and very tame. I like Isa Browns.

 

[nedfloyd]

Thanks everyone for your responses!! I ended up ordering 25 Isa Browns that will be here on April 8th. We are all very excited. I ended up building a new coop that is a quite a bit smaller (10x10) but fully insulated with vapour barrier and wired with lighting and 2 heatlamps. I built a 10x10 fully secure covered outside area for them that gates into a very large fenced area. What I need to know is how soon can the chicks go into the coop? Do the chicks have to stay in the house for 5-weeks or can they go into the heated coop sooner than that? The temperature outside has been quite a bit milder as spring arrives - lows of 0 to -4 overnight and highs of 8-12 during the day (that's degrees Celcius up here in Canada) and the snow is melting fast.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again...