I'm up in Wis. and have done a lot of research prior to getting my first chickens. For cold-hardiness, I do not recommend bantams, although my sister does have a flock of them up here. I would go with one of the heavy breeds. If you look on some mail/web-order hatchery sites, they have lists of heavies with their descriptions. Murrey McMurrey is one, or Mt. Healthy. But if you get them mail order, you have to buy a minimum of 15 to 25, depending on the hatchery. A local feed store will let you get less.
TSC has a minimum of 6 up here.
Are you not going to be heating your coop? (My heating consists of 2 red heat bulbs in a brooder fixture). If not, and it gets really cold by you, I would also suggest getting a breed with rose or pea combs so they have a lesser chance of getting frostbite.
Personally, my favorites for friendliness are Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps, both are very social heavy breeds. My production reds are also very nice, although not nearly as heavily bodied or feathered. They sit on my lap all the time.
Do you have a
Tractor Supply near you, or a feed store? Both places carry chicks this time of year. My
TSC carries chicks through May 27th. Their website has a lot of useful chick/chicken info on it for research.
TSC website link:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/conten.../livestock_care_raising_poultry_expert_advice
Good luck in your chicken endeavor and keep us posted on your progress!
