What Breed to Choose

[chickenman11798]

Hello, I've been wanting to get some more chickens and kinda stuck on what to choose i was possibly thinking of going with some Buff Orpingtons, Dominiques, Black Australorp, or Rhode Island Reds can't seem to decide wanted to see what you guys thought! Sinceley, chickenman11798

 

[Coopacabana]

What do you want them for? Eggs, meat, pets, etc.

 

[ronniewayne]

I like all those breeds personaly i think the reds would probably lay the most of those then the black austrolops .. but all beautiful birds..happy hunting..

 

[chickenman11798]

I want them for eggs.

 

[Bullitt]

Rhode Island Reds are the best brown-egg layers. Australorps are not far behind as far as egg laying goes.

Australorps are said to be generally friendlier than Rhode Island Reds, but Australorps will sometimes go broody and try to hatch eggs. Rhode Island Reds rarely go broody.

Here is a resource of information I put together.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...chickens-resource-for-selecting-your-chickens

 

[off-grid hen]

What breeds do you have already? I have some brown egg layers and white layers. So this spring I'm getting some Easter eggers and dark brown layers (black copper marans and welsummers). They are late to mature so I bought a couple red stars. My (hatchery stock) dominiques are great girls, but lay a medium sized egg. I may try some australorps, buckeyes, and chanteclers next batch.

 

[chickenman11798]

2 Opringtons

 

[terryg]

It sounds as if you are adding new pullets to an already established flock. In that case I'd stay away from the RIRs, Wyandottes and Barred Rocks. All are great foragers and layers, but they tend to be dominant. I've had a small mixed flock for many years, and I've seen their bossiness first hand! The sex-links are a good option, both for superb egg-laying and moderate personalities, and they don't go broody like the Orps do. Whatever you do, make sure the new chickens are fully feathered out and mature before adding them to the mix. I have a FAQ about adding new chickens here:
http://www.hencam.com/henblog/introducing-new-hens/

 

[Coopacabana]

The sexlinks are great for laying chickens. 100% pullets if that's what you order, the best brown egg layers. Out of the two kinds I've had, the black star was a bit aggressive, but full of spunk and personality. The red stars were sweet, and both were good foragers.