Chicken breeds

[Kaleva]

As I sit here at the laundry mat waiting for carpets to dry, I thought I'd make a post as to what beed I'd like and why.

Sometime in the future, I'd like to start raising chickens again. For a couple of reason. I like animals is one and the second is I'd like to add to our source of foods in case of disruptions in supply of such as we adapt to climate change.

There are certain traits in a chicken that I'd want to suit my needs and I first identified what I want and then looked for a breed that would meet those needs.

Number 1 is cold hardy. Living north of WI, that's a must.

Number 2 is that the breed is docile and peaceful. There's going to be stretches of time, especially during winter, when they'll be cooped up for maybe days at a stretch. They need to get along.

Being broody is number 3. With a rooster or two, the flock can be self sustaining. In case I can't get replacements.

Dual purpose is number 4. I'm not expecting great egg production or lots of meat but they should be decent at both.

Long lived and known to have few health issues is number 5. I want them to be around for awhile.

Considering the above, the breed I, at this time, would like to get is the Buckeye. There are several other breeds that all are a close 2nd.

[imaginary girl]

1. Good breed info ...

... At mypetchicken.com

[cbabe]

2. Chicken People

https://www.documentary.org › project › chicken-people

Chicken People | International Documentary Association

It's a high stakes world where a single broken feather can mean a broken dream, for only one bird, one winner is declared best in show.This is CHICKEN PEOPLE. A character-driven documentary centered around the passionate pursuit of excellence on the terrain of fancy fowl.

Official trailer

https://m.

[WhiteTara]

3. My all time pick

is Dorking.
They are the oldest breed of chickens and came to England with the Roman army. THey are short legged so when they scratch, they don't destroy the garden. They are dual purpose and lay eggs in winter. They are very broody and you can have lots of chicks with a rooster or two.

https://www.hobbyfarms.com/dorking-chickens-a-superior-meat-bird-layer/

[Kaleva]

5. There are so many breeds to suit individual needs!

The pronounced combs, wattles and earlobes of the Dorking may be an issue in very cold climates such as where I live unless the coop I had was heated.

[WhiteTara]

6. good point.

I live in zone 7 and they wouldn't have that same problem. Happy chicken picking!

[Kali]

4. interesting and sounds good for cold location

About
The Buckeye is a breed of chicken originating in the U.S. state of Ohio. Created in the early 19th century, Buckeyes are the only standard breed recognized by the American Poultry Association that is known to have been developed by a woman. It is the only breed in the American Class to have a pea comb. Wikipedia

my all time favorites are Barred Rocks.

[Kaleva]

8. Barred Rocks are in my group of 2nd place

[Bayard]

7. We have a bunch if Australorps now

They are known for, "persistence of lay," and they have been for the past few years. Usually 15 or so large brown eggs a day. But they've dropped off dramatically in the past week. Since its only Aug, its pretty weird.

I've also had Golden Comets before that were good, and Ameraucana are also good (and you get blue eggs).

[Kaleva]

9. I've had Golden Comets and really liked them.

If I was mainly concerned was egg production and knew I could always get replacements, they are a hybrid and short lived, they would be my pick.

Very easy going, quiet birds who love to free range but also do very well cooped up.

A possibility would be to have Golden Comets for egg production but also have Buckeyes as a back up in case of supply disruption.

[Farmer-Rick]

10. I've never seen a Buckeye

I looked them up.

Oh my, they are beautiful birds. Good choice.

I got some Turkens, naked neck chickens, because they are really good in the heat. But they are ugly. So ugly they are cute.

[Kaleva]

11. I agree with you about the Turkens!

I didn't know about the Buckeyes until I started researching which breeds may best suit my needs.