I started with Speckled Sussex and Wyandottes, who were friendly and low maintenance and all, but what I have now are so close to ideal I'm sticking with, the Buckeye. They are so friendly and mellow, get along with each other larger animals as they are a bit bigger than the sussex, the roosters are NOT AGGRESSIVE to people and dogs etc but *do their jobs* protecting the flock - their instincts are amazing to see, and quite effective. I have a core of ten hens and two roosters, who all get along. They forage like wild things, I only feed them extra corn as a treat. Very good in the heat, and excellent in cold. Like a Rhode Island Red with a slightly different shape and comb and mellower. The only downside is like the Red they all look the same therefore hard to tell apart, so legbands. They aren't the most turbo egg layers but conversely they don't burn out right away mine keep laying throughout their lives so far. When broody are excellent mothers but accept newbies into the flock with minimal peck. Great birds, mine came from Privett Hatchery but there are more, they are just scarce / heritage / recovering. Privett does an excellent job sexing so if you want roosters go for the un sexed don't count on the random roo in a mix of hen chicks, just saying. They also make cool sounds.
Surprised Wyandottes didn't make the list. Regal, assertive, calm, they are like the big sister of the group and often are the leader of the group without being catty. Egg production isn't shabby too, and when they do go broody they make great mothers (nobody will bother you if you mum has a high social standing lol). One exception is this young Wyandotte rooster who is scared of the hens but will battle our large German Shepherd. He was hand raised so there might be something to that A rare breed I came across is the Oxford game and I was surprised how friendly and calm and inquisitive they are while looking so 'wild'. They lay chubby white eggs with large pores and cos of the lack of fluffy feathers they look absolutely ridiculous while laying. They run up to you before any other breed asking for food and while not cuddly, they will sit calmly once captured in your hands
All of these breeds are gorgeous. For my backyard flock, I started with 4 last summer and added 4 more this spring. First batch consists of a barred rock, Easter Egger, Rhode Island Red, and a black copper maran. I had to get rid of the BCM; she became super aggressive with my EE. Second batch consists of a speckled Sussex, welsummer, double-laced barnevelder, and red star sexlink. My SS turned out to be a rooster but he is adorable and I’m keeping him. Next spring, I’m planning on getting an australorp, speckled Sussex (female), Olive egger, and a sapphire gem. I plan to stop there (for awhile anyway-lol)!
I just discovered your channel. Great information! I just started chicken keeping and have silver pen cilled death layers. I'm not sure this was a good choice as a newbie backyard chicken mom. I don't see info on them in any of your videos, but here in Oklahoma, they aren't rare.
I have a giant backyard, for my 6 bantams.😂 I cant wait to get more, but I'd like to wait, just a lil longer. This is a great list- when the time is right, I'd love to take a few of each on this list! Many thanks, these are great❤️🤍💙
