Which Breed Shall I Hatch?

[KingD]

I second this!


Are you thinking you want standard sized or bantams?

Was thinking of getting standard size but some bantams would be pretty cool!

 

[KingD]

The most important factor in determine the best breed is your location. If one raises birds adapted for one's climate, there will be few problems.
If the birds can't handle the climate, they will always be a problem.

Where do you live?

South East England

 

[ChickenCanoe]

South East England

So you are in a relatively mild climate so the majority of breeds will work. Do you have a preference with egg color and productivity?
There are different breeds available in the UK than we have here and we have some breeds you don't have so some suggestions may be out of the question.

 

[ackie]

I need to pick a breed toooooo

 

[KingD]

So you are in a relatively mild climate so the majority of breeds will work. Do you have a preference with egg color and productivity?
There are different breeds available in the UK than we have here and we have some breeds you don't have so some suggestions may be out of the question.

I prefer breeds with a good egg production but the colour of the egg doesn't bother me at all as I sell the eggs to the public

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

perhaps orpingtons or Wyandotte’s ? They are friendly, lay a good amount of eggs, and are large birds but not huge.

 

[KingD]

perhaps orpingtons or Wyandotte’s ? They are friendly, lay a good amount of eggs, and are large birds but not huge.

Ok. This is all so helpful. I'm going to be ordering them tommorow so I'll have a look through all of your suggestions on the morning and make a decision.
Thanks guys for your help!!

 

[EndeyPonychicken]

Dominiques are GREAT with free ranging. They are so friendly and curious! They are heat and winter hardy

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Here are two excellent breed charts that should help a person pick the right breed for them.
chickenbreedcomparison.pdf (albc-usa.org)
Henderson's Handy Dandy Chicken Chart (sagehenfarmlodi.com)

Jaerhons should be available in the UK. They are from Norway and can handle virtually any climate. A smallish bird but larger than bantams and lay lots of round white eggs.

 

[ackie]

I prefer breeds with a good egg production but the colour of the egg doesn't bother me at all as I sell the eggs to the public

some people (as in the buying public) seem to think brown eggs are better, healthier, more organic, idk, so you may want to consider playing to that even if its untrue.