What breeds would you recommend to add color and variety to my flock?

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

Below are some photos of my current flock of 6. We just lost our RIR and are hoping to add 2 new hens to the flock in the fall or spring. I love having a variety of colors in my flock, while still keeping my other wants/needs in mind (non-broody, cold hardy, non-production layer if possible).

We currently have:
Barred Plymouth Rock
Easter Egger
Salmon Faverolles
Buckeye
Black Australorp
Buff Orpington

I was looking at Meyer's website and was intrigued by the Silver Penciled Plymouth Rock, the White Plymouth Rock, Austra White, Cream Legbar, Splash Ameraucana bantam, Golden Laced Polish, and Barnevelder.

What breeds/colors/feather patterns do you guys suggest for adding some color and variety? What are your favorites that are different from what I already have?

 

[Egg Snatcher]

I would suggest bantams. They do like to be broody though. In my experiance OEGB have been the least broody bantams for me. Mixed bantams would also be a good option for colors.

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

I would suggest bantams. They do like to be broody though. In my experiance OEGB have been the least broody bantams for me. Mixed bantams would also be a good option for colors.

Thanks! I've been interested in bantams for a while now, but my husband seems to think they will just fly over our fence or find an opening to squeeze through. We live in the city. Are bantams escape artists in your experience?

I was looking at the Splash Ameraucana and the Green Queen bantams from Meyer because apparently they aren't supposed to be as broody. The Black Polish bantam as well I think.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I just got an order of over hatch. (15) I got a good deal and they were all female, but I was hoping for more variety than just 3 (BR, RIR, Buff). They did say they may be only one breed, so i lucked out there. I would get a rare breed batch in the future for more variety.

 

[gimmie birdies]

Rare breeds assortment, and white egg assortment, you will get polish from meyers. They are great birds but the others will pick on them. Good to get some if you don't have a flock yet, then they will be higher in pecking order.

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

I just got an order of over hatch. (15) I got a good deal and they were all female, but I was hoping for more variety than just 3 (BR, RIR, Buff). They did say they may be only one breed, so i lucked out there. I would get a rare breed batch in the future for more variety.

Those are solid breeds though!

I'm not sure if I can do assortments because living in the city in the north with a rooster restriction, I have certain qualifications for what kind of birds I can have. It makes it a little tricky.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Have you thought about Naked Necks? Most of mine didn't go broody, were solid egg layers and they usually come in different colors if you order from a hatchery.

 

[LaFleche]

#Silver and golden laced Wyandottes

#Russian Orloff
https://livestockconservancy.org/heritage-breeds/heritage-breeds-list/orloff-chicken/#:~:text=They're classified as non,more aggressive birds, if necessary.

#Exchequer Leghorn
https://images.app.goo.gl/2g2Q15qTnHui5qRU6

#French Black Copper or Blue Copper Marans

 

[Egg Snatcher]

Thanks! I've been interested in bantams for a while now, but my husband seems to think they will just fly over our fence or find an opening to squeeze through. We live in the city. Are bantams escape artists in your experience?

I was looking at the Splash Ameraucana and the Green Queen bantams from Meyer because apparently they aren't supposed to be as broody. The Black Polish bantam as well I think.

It really depends on the dird if they get out or not. 2-3 of mine will always find a way to get out, the majority stays in.
Those will probably be a good option.

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

Have you thought about Naked Necks? Most of mine didn't go broody, were solid egg layers and they usually come in different colors if you order from a hatchery.

I did think about those! But then I realized they probably won't do well in our winters here in Cleveland. It's cold, windy, and icy with lake-effect snow. I feel like that neck would be frostbitten.