What would be your choice for best overall layer breed...longevity, hardiness, egg size, winter layi

[Bullitt]

I looked up Buckeyes and now I WANT some of those. They are supposed to be excellent mousers, no joke. I wonder how they do with rats. We tend to get overrun with them here...having a natural defense line along with the traps we have to constantly set would be awesome.

Anyone any idea?

Love the suggestions...fun to check out different breeds.
Lady of McCamley

I know that hens of many breeds will kill and eat mice. But I think rats are usually too big for chickens to kill.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I know that hens of many breeds will kill and eat mice. But I think rats are usually too big for chickens to kill.

Bummer. Not surprised. I know that several of my hens chased one once, and I found a beheaded one next to the coop...not sure what got it.

Oh well, even if I had a few that would do a decent job of making their life miserable it would be worth it.

One can only dream, right.

Lady of McCamley

 

[Fancychooklady]

I have several breeds and they all have there advantages , but I can't go past my coronation sussex. They have layed all through winter, only 1 of the 7 hens has been broody and king George is just a lovely roo. Just look at him with his ladies.

 

[Bullitt]

I have several breeds and they all have there advantages , but I can't go past my coronation sussex. They have layed all through winter, only 1 of the 7 hens has been broody and king George is just a lovely roo. Just look at him with his ladies.

They are very pretty.

I am not familiar with Coronation Sussex. Is that a recognized variety?

 

[Fancychooklady]

They are very pretty.

I am not familiar with Coronation Sussex. Is that a recognized variety?

The breed was created to commemorate the coronation of king George . Unfortunately by the end of the 2nd world war they were extinct. I imagine it would have been a dangerous time to be a chicken. There are a few good breeders her in Tassie and I have been lucky enough to get a few from each .

 

[Mrs. K]

Those are just gorgeous!

 

[Fancychooklady]

Thank you.

 

[lazy gardener]

I have several breeds and they all have there advantages , but I can't go past my coronation sussex. They have layed all through winter, only 1 of the 7 hens has been broody and king George is just a lovely roo. Just look at him with his ladies.

 

[Michael Apple]

Leghorns are the number one layer. They can be flighty and nervous, but I've found working closely with flighty breeds as chicks lessens this. Many listed as heritage breeds aren't necessarily so. Lots of New Hampshires have Rhode Island red, Barred Rocks have Dominique, Dorkings with Leghorns, etc. Much depends on the honesty of the breeder.

 

[albchickenfarm]

i think you should try adding australorps to your flock. they are sweet sweet birds who lay large eggs and are very good producers. i have tree of these wonderful birds and I love them. They are on the larger side, though.