Which Breed???

Just about any common breed you can find at a hatchery, feedstore, etc.

All of the following are good layers, friendly, and cold hardy.

Production Reds, Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, Easter Eggers (commonly sold as "Ameraucanas" ) Black Australorps, Sex Links


But if you really want to try something different, another laid-back, cold hardy, decent layer of gorgeous dark red eggs are French Marans. I would not recommend the Cuckoo color, but the rest are good.

 

You might try some breed selector tools:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/breeds/breed-search.php
http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx
but basing off my birds I'd say Black Australorps.

 

Australorp

 

Of course I'll suggest the Delawares. I'm in NY and they are still my best layers. Even those over two. A little vaseline on the combs and legs and they're fine, though I haven't had to do that. I keep a couple of heat lights in the coop. They are friendly, but there are others.

Rose or pea comb breeds are good too. You could go with a Cochin cross as cochins are friendly birds. I a Cuckoo Marans / Friz cross and she is friendly as is her mother. Her dad not so much.

Orpingtons are nice too. You'll want to get a heavy breed for the cold areas unless you intend to supply a greater amount of heat.

Wish you the best

Rancher

 

My top suggestions for you are Australorps, French Marans, and Sussex.

I would also suggest Dorkings, Faverolles, Hollands, and Ameraucanas/EasterEggers - but they are not nearly as cold hardy.

 

how about brahmas?

very cold hardy, lay ok during winter, and docile and gentle

 

If you get them as day olds (or hatch them yourself) they will identify with you and should be good as pets.

My suggestion would be

Plymouth Rocks, Sex links, & RIR if you have them from day olds you can certainly get them to follow you around, pick them up and they will be comfortable with you.

I have even had Leghorns that liked being petted but that is not the norm for that flighty breed. Spend time with them while gardening ect, and they will be pets for sure. HOPEFULLY!

 

I ,too, like the Brahama's. Very docile, cold hardy, large bird that lays a medium to large size egg.

 

Turkens