Which would you prefer?

[Nero70002]

The Speckled Sussex are also weather tolerant and are “reputed to lay well through the winter months perhaps taking only a pause for the molt.”

 

[Chicken Heel]

The Speckled Sussex are also weather tolerant and are “reputed to lay well through the winter months perhaps taking only a pause for the molt.”

Had three Speckled Sussex about a decade ago and they were wonderful hens that laid great throughout their years of service. Those three were some of the most inquisitive chickens that I have ever had as well.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I picked multiple.

 

[Bantambird]

I looked at the chantecler, but wasn't sure if they could handle Montana summers too.

They can! I've had some before, super durable birds, both ways

 

[JacinLarkwell]

They can! I've had some before, super durable birds, both ways

Neat. I'll look into them more then.

 

[HenKat]

I completely agree with Speckled Sussex! We got two chicks last spring, one turned out to be a roo. Both the hen and roo are great birds with excellent temperaments, and seem to handle the cold pretty well! The best description I have for my Henrietta is "plucky." She loves eating, and doesn't let anyone mess with her, although she isn't too aggressive. I think she will become the dominant hen after my 7yo Rhode Island Red isn't around any more. I would definitely look for more when I need to expand my flock!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I have to say, I didn't expect Mixes and White Orpingtons to be the leaders at this point

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I have to say, I didn't expect Mixes and White Orpingtons to be the leaders at this point

And speckled Sussex in the comments.

 

[Bantambird]

Most of the breeds posted aren't particularly weather hardy. Orpingtons have the body mass. Bantams are cute and all, but hardly a productive group. People typically start off wanting egg layers, but the mediterranean types like white faced black spanish, leghorns, and others with that body type and mega fleshy facial appendages don't tolerate our winters. Ayam Cemani come from a climate that never dips below 50°, along with seremas. Standard cochins are massive, beautiful dual purpose birds, but the minis, while good broody and cute yard ornaments, lay pretty small eggs and aren't big enough to butcher.

 

[NatJ]

Sexlinked bantam Easter Eggers?
Just requires a gold-based male and silver-based females, with a down color where you can see the difference at hatch.

I keep seeing that people want to buy sexed bantams, but I don't know how much of the market is actually in your area. I have often wondered why the major hatcheries aren't raising sexlinked bantams, especially for the Easter Eggers where there is no standard color they need to have.