Which breed?

[Adrienne-m]

Hi! We sadly lost 2 chickens last week to the neighbor dog (we are pretty certain) and one a few weeks prior randomly in her sleep. We would like to add some pullets As I was completely devastated losing the girls . Trying to decide between black australorp and cinnamon queen. We have a flock of 9 currently, 3 barred rock, 2 Orpington, 1 polish and one tiny frizzle rooster. We have elementary aged kids that love to love the chickens. For now they are confined until we get a guard dog, then they will likely free range again. Which breed should we get?

 

[cavemanrich]

All depends what your long term ambitions are. Both breeds are good chickens. The Australorp will outlive the Cinnamon Queen. Cinnamon Queen is an excellent chicken for egg production, and will lay many eggs. Then she will burn out and expire. (4 to 5 years)
I suggest get 2 of each, since it looks like you can handle that number.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[BleuSaphir]

If green or blue eggs are on your list...I suggest Easter Eggers or Olive Eggers

 

[Araucana Nest]

Cinnamon Queens are great. They vary a lot on the egg color and egg size but all lay profusely. My CQ eggs range from very dark to pinkish and from large to extra, extra large. Only thing is they are production bred and not bred for anything else. They can have health issues and die prematurely. That isn't the rule but it can happen. One of mine went blind and another developed cancer, both at age two. No experience with Australorp.