What is the best breed for a new chicken owner?

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Lam005

Lam005

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6 Years
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Nov 8, 2013
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Hi all! With Spring around the corner I am getting ready to order my chicks. I am looking for suggestions as to the best breeds for a beginner like myself.
I am looking for good egg layers (I will not be eating the birds)
I live in upstate NY so they need to be good with cold temps
I am planning on free ranging most of the time (In the coop at night)
Looking for 6-8 to start

I really love the breeds that are spotted but I don't want to just pick a breed based on looks!

Any suggestions would be great!! ?
Thank you
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Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Check out the BYC Breeds section for member reviews of a lot of breeds, and the Henderson chicken breed chart compares a lot of common breeds ... http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html For decent layers that are pretty I love Speckled Sussex, and they're laced, but Blue Laced Red Wyandottes for color, both breeds also come in various other pretty patterns. Smaller light active breeds you might consider are Hamburgs and Ancona, Feathersite has a ton of pictures of the different color patterns the breeds come in ... http://feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html#Chickens
 
Welcome to BYC
frow.gif
Glad you joined us! X2 on the Breeds section. For good egglayers I'd recommend Australorps, they are hardy and good free rangers.
 
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Looks like Kelsie and Sumi have you on a good path for info on the different breeds. I am a huge fan of the Orpingtons. Great dual purpose birds for meat and eggs, very docile and affectionate, and are quite hardy over all.

Great to have you aboard and enjoy your new poultry adventures!
 
Golden comets are America's #1 layer and are winter hardy. Plus they lay well in extreme cold weather.
 
Welcome to the BYC! My vote would be for Orpingtons or Barred Rocks. Both are great, friendly birds that do good in the cold. (or at least mine did).
 

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