I started a flock this spring of several breeds. I am planning to order more chicks next spring and was debating on what breed to get. The things I am looking for in my flock are birds that can handle both cold and heat since we get both 100+ and below freezing temps here. I will be selling the eggs so I prefer good layers that lay large size eggs as well as a little color variety. I also prefer dual purpose birds but that is not a requirement (not that I want to eat my layers but I intend to let them hatch their own and will be needing to do something with the extra roosters).
Here is what I have in my flock so far:
2 Cuckoo Maran Roosters
1 Easter Egger Rooster
4 Easter Egger Hens
2 Black Australorp Hens
4 Barred Rock Hens
4 Delaware Hens
4 Buff Orpington Hens
I originally ordered 4 of each breed, but lost two Australorp along the way and ended up with all rooster marans instead of hens so I sold two of them to a co-worker. And my EE rooster was my "mystery chick".
I plan to order 15-20 more birds in the spring and would like some input on what your favorite breed for these considerations are.
Here is what I have in my flock so far:
2 Cuckoo Maran Roosters
1 Easter Egger Rooster
4 Easter Egger Hens
2 Black Australorp Hens
4 Barred Rock Hens
4 Delaware Hens
4 Buff Orpington Hens
I originally ordered 4 of each breed, but lost two Australorp along the way and ended up with all rooster marans instead of hens so I sold two of them to a co-worker. And my EE rooster was my "mystery chick".
I plan to order 15-20 more birds in the spring and would like some input on what your favorite breed for these considerations are.