What is a breed that is a good layer and has a good temperment?

[Lil'MommaHen]

Hi
I'm brand new to BYC and to chicken raising too! We have a great little setup but no chickens yet... I haven't decide what breed(s) chickens we should go with.
I have 2 young children and would like them to be a part of raising the chickens....so I am looking for a breed that is known for good temperment and a good amount of eggs too! So far I have heard Rhode Island Reds for laying and Orpingtons for temperment.... What would happen if I got a few of each?

Your input is appreciated!!!

 

[Wifezilla]

Favarolles

 

[Backyard Farm]

Hi
You might consider Welsummers.
They are quite mellow and good layers of really dark eggs.

I don't have as much trouble with my welsummers going broody as I do with my orps.
... but they will not lay as good as a RIR or the sex-links black or red.

I am willing to give up a few eggs to have mellow birds ..

 

[FrenchHen]

I really like my spangled hamburgs. They're quiet and pretty easy going. My RIR is a bit high strung, and my BO is a bossy one.
I also like my EE hen, but I don't know what kind of layer she'll be.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Sorry but you absolutely cannot go wrong with Australorps.

Great personality, temperament, gorgeous birds, can go broody and are egg-laying machines!

 

[Lil'MommaHen]

Thanks for the help! I can wait to get my chicks! Although I still haven't quite decided what to get!!

 

[CityChicker]

I second the Australorps! I love them, although Buff Orpingtons are one of my favorite breeds. I guess a lot depends on how good of a layer you need them to be. There are a number of breeds that have great temperaments that aren't quite as good layers.

 

[nicodemuschickenfan]

I have RIR's now that are just little sweeties. I am hopeing next year to get orp's. But I don't know what to tell you on how they would work together.

 

[#1California Chick]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Here is a link to a good description of chickens. As you can see, there are lots of opinions!!

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

I don't have chickens yet, but I just ordered:

2 Rhode Island Reds
2 Astralorpes
2 Buff Orpingtons
2 Delawares


My criterias (from The Henderson List above):

+Outstanding layers
+Calm, non aggressive
+Would take to an enclosed run (I can't let them free range)
+realtively quiet

BUT you can pick what is most important to you!!!

Good Luck!!!

Cindy

 

[nicodemuschickenfan]

Ohhh I love that site California Chick. I know it came in Real handy when I was trying to pick from the seemingly hundreds of chickens.