Which types of chickens should we get? Breed Recs

[April0617]

I love my Australorps! They won't be a year old until April, so I can't say anything about broodiness, but they are great layers of nice sized brown eggs, easy peasy for care, not overly loud or chatty (but do talk to me when I come to see them), and they love my three year old more than me (me, who feeds them and makes sure they are happy and healthy).

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

We're okay with a little bit of Broodiness! And we're getting our chicks from a breeder!

What breeds does the breeder HAVE?

 

[Chickgal22]

What breeds does the breeder HAVE?

A lot. I can't even remember how many they had and all the different breeds. My husband was reading off all of these different breeds and it seemed like they had a ton with the exception of silkies but some may not be available this time of year, so we might have to wait till spring/summer.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

A lot. I can't even remember how many they had and all the different breeds. My husband was reading off all of these different breeds and it seemed like they had a ton with the exception of silkies but some may not be available this time of year, so we might have to wait till spring/summer.

Whatever you decide on, I would get them all at the same time. (Rather than a few sooner and more later when they are available.) So deciding on WHEN you want them may narrow down your options. (Rather than just picking out what breeds you want, and then having them not be available anyway.)

 

[Chickgal22]

Whatever you decide on, I would get them all at the same time. (Rather than a few sooner and more later when they are available.) So deciding on WHEN you want them may narrow down your options. (Rather than just picking out what breeds you want, and then having them not be available anyway.)

This is awesome advice thank you! I totally agree!!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since every bird is an individual you won't really know if a bird is "quiet" until they're grown - even then, quiet birds still can make a bit of noise. If the concern is this is all hush-hush and not legal in your neighborhood, I hope at the very least you have a backup plan if you can't keep them.

For colorful eggs, Easter Eggers would fit the bill.

I also would caution you from getting just one Silkie as bullying may become an issue. If things don't work out with the rest of the flock, will you be able to make a separate enclosure to protect it, as well as get additional Silkies as companions for it?

 

[Mrs. K]

I would say no to the silkie and regular birds.

IF YOU GET A ROOSTER - what are you going to do. They really do not do well with inexperienced owners and definitely can be dangerous to children. You have to have a plan.

And a hard heart, cause the rooster chick is going to be the darling. They seem so brave and it appears that they are friendly, and then... the wreck happens.

If you are getting them from a breeder, often times they will take the rooster chicks back. Do so, before you get too attached. No roosters for at least the first year is very good advice.

Mrs K

 

[Sally PB]

I love my Australorps. They are also very quiet. They make a gentle noise that sounds like a cross between saying "who" and "coo."

 

[Pghelp]

Excellent advice from Mrs. K! No roosters unless you really know what you're doing!

 

[K0k0shka]

I have Orpingtons (different colors) and Barnevelders and would absolutely recommend the Orpingtons! I love the Barnevelders too, but they're skittish with the kids and a bit loud and dramatic when laying or overreacting to perceived danger. The Orps, on the other hand, are extremely chill and laid back. I have young children and they can pick them up and cuddle them without any issues. The Orps are large and sturdy and won't break if a kid drops them by accident or steps on them. They are mellow with each other and sweet with humans. They are quiet, too - they don't even always do the egg song. Often I'll see them just quietly walk out of the coop after laying, without any fanfare (the Barnevelders, on the other hand... OMG). We have really hot summers and really cold winters, and they've done fine in all seasons, though I guess it depends on where you live. They definitely prefer winter over summer and are better equipped for cold than for heat. They pant a lot in the summer, but otherwise act normal, mine haven't had any actual issues other than some discomfort. Egg color varies with mine... They're all various shades of beige, but I do have one Orp that lays purplish eggs with speckles on them, which was a surprise (and probably a fluke). These guys are my favorite breed ever and I totally recommend them!