What breed would you recommend?

[MandiRock]

My husband and I are considering adding to our flock (which currently consists of 3 barred and 3 white rocks, all hens). We originally chose our Plymouth rocks because of their egg laying rate.

For our new birds, we want to get a breed that will be multi-purpose. We want eggs, but we also want to raise some chicks for meat. I would prefer a breed that will go broody rather than me having to hatch them in an incubator (since I don't have one). So is there such a breed that are good egg layers, provide good meat and will also hatch and raise chicks? I feel like I'm asking a lot! lol

Also as a side question, I know that I have to keep the bird separated until maturity and I've read many guides about introducing new birds to a flock. In your opinion, would it be better for us to just have two flocks rather than try to introduce the two groups later on? Our current girls are a year old now.

 

[Pyxis]

May I suggest brahmas? They're very pretty, docile, friendly, and the hens lay pretty well and go broody and raise chicks, and the boys get big enough for eating. The girls also get pretty big too, if you wanted to eat them. They're classified as a dual purpose breed. You could introduce them, especially if you do free ranging and don't want to deal with the headache of trying to plan which group goes out when, etc. I successfully introduced my new birds to my older birds with almost no fighting and everyone gets along fine now. Introduction is stressful to the birds, though, and if you keep them penned anyway you might consider keeping them separate. That also would mean you wouldn't have to worry about mixed breed chicks if that's something you want to avoid.

As a note, I have brahmas, and my roo is a gentle giant, protecting the girls and never going after humans. My hen is a sweetheart and loves to sit in my lap and be petted.

Edited to add a picture This is Apple, my light brahma roo:

They come in other color varieties if white really isn't your thing