Who to Add?

[hollandhens24]

I have several birds aging and no longer contributing anything to earn their keep. Three will stay and be loved as pets. Four will become soup, pot pie, tenders, and compost.
I received a chick catalog today and am excited thinking about which breeds I could potentially add!

Based on these conditions, who should I add to my flock as their replacements?:
- Must free range well
- Highest possible production without compromising longevity
- Ability to withstand -30° F and up to 90° F on average with heavy snowfall
- At least one breed that makes a good brooy/mama
- Colored eggs are a BONUS… I can’t help it, I love pretty eggs

For clarification in regards to snowfall they will have access to plowed areas to explore if they’d like, a covered and run where snow cannot drift, and free choice feed and heated waterer.

Thank you for your insight!

 

[FrostRanger]

Can't go wrong with a few easter eggers

 

[hollandhens24]

Can't go wrong with a few easter eggers

Like a classic “who’s your mama who’s your daddy” farm store EE or do you have a specific cross that you’ve enjoyed?

 

[Bawkbok]

Buff Orpingtons can handle both the cold and 90 degree heat, tend to go broody and are good free rangers and sky watchers, brown eggs, tend to be healthy compared to hybrids.

 

[FrostRanger]

Like a classic “who’s your mama who’s your daddy” farm store EE or do you have a specific cross that you’ve enjoyed?

Any but I like Meyer's Easter eggers

 

[hollandhens24]

Buff Orpingtons can handle both the cold and 90 degree heat, tend to go broody and are good free rangers and sky watchers, brown eggs, tend to be healthy compared to hybrids.

At the risk of sounding silly, are all varieties of Orpington generally this way or specifically buff?

 

[WingItRanch]

Considering your temps can get as low as -30, I'd think you want to stick to smaller comb chickens. Dominique would be a good one for you. Easter Eggers are always fun with their colored eggs and they typically have pea combs. I have a few different breeds and my run of the mill Easter Eggers from Ideal are actually my top egg layers.

 

[Bawkbok]

At the risk of sounding silly, are all varieties of Orpington generally this way or specifically buff?

My only experience is with the buff colors, no chocolates or blue or other rainbow colors here. Others might be able to speak to their proficiency with egg laying.
Our girls don't take a break in winter, only during their brief periods of molting, then right back at it.