Which of these breeds would you recommend?

[Bear4boo]

Production breeds (also known as hybrid layers or Red Sex Links) are crosses that are bred to lay eggs in high quantities. Isa Browns and Golden Comets are both production breeds, and virtually the same thing. Different hatcheries have different crosses and names for their hybrid layers (Isa Browns, Golden Comets, Cinnamon Queens, Red Stars, etc.), but they are all almost the exact same thing.

I have owned all of these breeds. Personality wise, they were all very sweet. Leghorns are know for being flighty, which mine definitely was. The biggest problem people have with the Leghorn and hybrid layers is they lay so much that they burn out after a few years, and can suffer from laying issues. Mine never had these did though. I loved my BR. They are cold and heat hardy, good to other birds, and lay for a long time. My BR passed away last month (she was almost 8), and my Golden Comet is 8 and still kicking.

Thank you. It was my understanding that Leghorns are heritage breeds? Also, what does BR stand for?

 

[Stellasmomma]

Thank you. It was my understanding that Leghorns are heritage breeds? Also, what does BR stand for?

I think BR is for Barred Rock maybe

 

[ChickyWhicky]

My vote is for the barred rock, as I have a few and they are lovely. Docile & sweet personalities, great layers.
Would not recommend comets at this point. I have several & they have been on the bossy/almost mean side. Mine are noisy and they always seem like they are starving to death compared to the rest of my flock. Maybe I just got a crazy batch of 'em...

 

[SilverBirds]

Thank you. It was my understanding that Leghorns are heritage breeds? Also, what does BR stand for?

Yes, both Barred Rocks and Leghorns are Heritage breeds.

BR is an abbreviation for Barred Rock.

 

[Bear4boo]

I think BR is for Barred Rock maybe

Oh yes! That makes sense

 

[Wot The Flock]

I'd avoid production breeds. Personality is up to the individual bird.

Seconded.

Personality also more noticeable if you spend a lot of time with them. Having said that, even among heritage breeds there are 'general trends' in personality, like Andalusian being more flighty/aloof, RIRs known as more dominant towards many other breeds.

I have not had a barred Plymouth Rock, but have a white PR crossed with Maran, and she is quite a good layer (I had intended to get a "white rock" this time, but none available). I had short listed RIR, but decided against due to the reputation being too bossy with the other breeds.

As a very general guide (IMO) it seems that the rounder, plumper birds are a bit more chilled and friendlier, and the skinner birds tend to be either more flighty / dominant / aloof. Also, lighter (skinnier) types tend to escape over fences a lot more. Hence, I go for the plump girls. This new batch of pullets - Columbian Wyandotte, Gold Pencilled Wyandotte and a Buff Orphington. I actually wanted a Silver Laced Wyandotte, but supply is an issue at the moment.

The Buff Orphington probably similar in personality to your Australorp (which has orphington in its pedigree). The only downside to the BO, the reputation for getting broody (but honestly, even the less broody breeds still go broody when the mood takes them - have a 'broody breaker' cage ready to be deployed in a nice cool, shady spot).

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Had two br and neither lived past two years old and my sexlink is still kicking at 3, get whatever breed you want.

 

[fluffycrow]

I say leghorns as well. Small, beautiful chickens, lay big tasty white eggs, with a little calcium supplementation after the age of 2-4 they will keep laying for a long time

As someone who has been keeping ISA browns for years, I love them, but they are not for everyone. I call them my dumpster chickens. They will stop laying at 2, maximum 3, and from that point on, they become living decor, if you can keep them alive that is, since they are very prone to getting sick. I love their personality, but sometimes it's hard, they're very sassy and will usually be quite aggressive and territorial with other chickens

 

[chiknGeek]

I can vouch for barred rocks. Mine were great layers.

 

[Bear4boo]

Seconded.

Personality also more noticeable if you spend a lot of time with them. Having said that, even among heritage breeds there are 'general trends' in personality, like Andalusian being more flighty/aloof, RIRs known as more dominant towards many other breeds.

I have not had a barred Plymouth Rock, but have a white PR crossed with Maran, and she is quite a good layer (I had intended to get a "white rock" this time, but none available). I had short listed RIR, but decided against due to the reputation being too bossy with the other breeds.

As a very general guide (IMO) it seems that the rounder, plumper birds are a bit more chilled and friendlier, and the skinner birds tend to be either more flighty / dominant / aloof. Also, lighter (skinnier) types tend to escape over fences a lot more. Hence, I go for the plump girls. This new batch of pullets - Columbian Wyandotte, Gold Pencilled Wyandotte and a Buff Orphington. I actually wanted a Silver Laced Wyandotte, but supply is an issue at the moment.

The Buff Orphington probably similar in personality to your Australorp (which has orphington in its pedigree). The only downside to the BO, the reputation for getting broody (but honestly, even the less broody breeds still go broody when the mood takes them - have a 'broody breaker' cage ready to be deployed in a nice cool, shady spot).

It’s funny.: our Australorp and Buff Orpington couldn’t be more different in personality. Our Australorp is very skittish and our Orpington is friendly and our head hen.