you can only choose 3

[hallerlake]

Be warned. Silkies have black meat and bones. Some Asians consider them a delicacy, but you might not.



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[hallerlake]

Leghorns aren't really considered a dual purpose bird, are they? Also, in northern Illinois, you want a cold hardy bird, I should think.


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[phasian]

A lot of the breeds recommended are not truly dual purpose. If I had to select 3 breeds that didn't necessarily fall into this category, my choices would be different. While I don't eat my chickens, if I was planning to a lot of these breeds would be my last choice for a meal.

 

[dsqard]

I love my Wyandottes although so far they are not "great" egg layers. I love my Ameraucanas for the colored eggs although they are not as meaty as my Wyandottes. Just discovered Brahmas and I am going to add them to the flock soon. I have heard that they lay a good size egg and have a very nice temperment. They also have a rose comb which is good for the colder areas.

 

[karimw]

I have several kinds but to pick just 3? HMMMM I guess I'd have to go with these:

1. Ameraucana - lovely birds, very sweet tempered, pretty eggs
2. Welsummers - good layers, pretty eggs, and I've had mine go broody, though they are not supposed to I guess
3. Iowa Blues - I'm new to these, but I have 14 of the toughest TOUGHEST little birds, well able to handle Iowa winter! Just had a pullet egg yesterday at 22 weeks, so I hope that means they will be good layers

 

[karimw]

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I'm curious Illia, what's different about the Cuckoo variety? I have one, she's an OK layer but not so spectacular I'd get more. I figured the other varieties would be similar.

 

[phasian]

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Brahmas are great. Large pale pinkish eggs, decent winter layers and a zen disposition.....

 

[phasian]

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Thanks for posting about Iowa Blues. This breed looks wonderful. I am trying them again this year with birds (hopefully) from Sandhill Preservation Farm. The chicks I received from a Texas breeder last year were very weak.

 

[Illia]

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Most Cuckoos (but not all) are not up to the French Standard, are of hatchery-stock, and lay very pale eggs. Of course, there's some good ones out there too, but I'm just not a fan of them.

 

[greenriver]

Barred Rock