Which breed to choose?

[1keegan]

We had a small back yard flock several years ago, and decided to try again this year.
We're looking for non-flighty, friendly, calm breeds that are also decent egg layers. Living quarters consist of a coop with attached covered run, with some free-ranging time also. We're in central WI, so most be cold hardy too.

Planning to get 4-6 day old pullets (no roosters allowed) and would like to get a mix of the following.
Which have you found the friendliest and easy to handle?
Bonus for good egg-laying ability

1) Red-laced blue Wyandottes
2) Americana / Easter Eggers
3) Speckled Sussex
4) Barred Rock
5) Black Australorp
6) Golden Laced Wyandotte
7) Lavender Orpingtons
8) Golden Comets

TIA

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! I'm very partial to Orpingtons myself. Australorps and Lavenders are good choices. My favorites are Buff Orps. They are all friendly, fluffy birds that can take the cold, and they are good layers.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I would suggest the Orpingtons, Black Australorp, Easter Eggers are going to be the most docile and friendly. I am a huge fan of Orps and Australorps, both incredibly friendly, great layers, both very health hardy.

Enjoy which ever breed you choose and welcome to our community!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
My PBRs are the friendliest birds in my flock.

 

[Pretty Birds]

Speckled Sussex are my favorite breed because they are the friendliest chickens I've had. Barred Rocks, Golden Comets, and Orpingtons are friendly are good layers.

 

[Fintechie]

Welcome! I like all breeds I have now - Buff orpington, Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock and East egger. Leghorn is bit jittery but good egg layer too.

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Glad that you joined! Good luck with whatever breed's that you decide on for your flock!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!
Best wishes and have lots of fun!

 

[Clearwater Chicken]

I would go the brahma route or maybe dorkings. I also really love wyandottes(silver laced)

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I've always had good luck with my Easter Eggers and Orpingtons. Both are cold hardy, docile and personable, although I've found the EEs to be the more reliable layers and don't go broody. I'm branching out and trying my hand with Australorps this year, just got baby chicks Tuesday. Maybe we can learn together!