Buff orpingtons?

[greenthumb1975]

We're going to add some hens to our zoo, and I was wanting some advice on what I should go with.

I want a fairly quiet and friendly breed...something that will be pet like in their behavior.

I'll need something hardy. Our summers are hot here..our winters are mild for the most part, but we do have the occasional deep freeze.

I'm looking for egg layers. I won't be using them for meat, only eggs.

I've looked into Buff Orpingtons, and they seem to fit the bill from what I've read. Does this sound like a good fit for me?

I need something forgiving. I'm a chicken novice and I don't want a breed that is super sensitive.

Help? Advice?

[Deleted]

I like them for meat, butthen again i like all breeds for meat ......in the summer they need lots of shade and plenty of fresh water......they are a calm breed and should be just what you want

[mckenzygirl]

I have Buffs!
They are one of the best chickens we have ever gone with!
They lay nice size eggs, sometimes double.
They are hearty birds........winters in Northern Minnesota.
You won't be sorry for picking this beautiful chicken!

[Laura]

We had Buffs from Mickyg..
We dont have any left..taken a break from birds. We also had a cat from Jeanette..Nibbies..she used to herd the out of the corn for us. We gave her up this spring also. & we had 3 more that went with her. None of them bothered the 'S.
If we get more they will be Buffs as they were friendly.
Oh the kitty kats went to a good home..

[trudy]

I don't have any buffs but have had good experience with Cochins.

[abirdseyeview]

Greenthumb,
I've been raising chickens for a number of years, of the type you are looking for I've come up with the following among those I have raised:

Delaware: Winter Hardy
Bears Confinement
Docile
Can be Broody
Quiet, friendly
Regular brown egg layer

Faverolle: Winter Hardy
Bears Confinement
Docile
Can be Broody
Quirky; loner; submissive
Regular cream colored eggs

Welsummer: Winter Hardy
Prefer to Range. Good foragers.
You'll save on feed if you allow them to range freely!
Docile
Can be Broody
Calm, intelligent and friendly
Frequent, very dark brown egg layers


Orpingtons: Winter Hardy
Bears Confinement
Docile
Can be Broody
Calm
Fairly regular large light brown egg layers

Hamburgs: Winter Hardy
Do not like confinement
Docile, enjoy being petted
Not Broody
Active, flighty
Steady, Small White Egg Layers

Of the chickens listed the Faverolle would best fit your bill as being "pet like." They are truly friendly and enjoy being around their caretaker, in fact you might find them getting under foot.

There are lots of sites out there that can be helpful in making a selection. Just google for chicken breeds and you should find all the information you'll need. I would encourage you to consider a rare breed as many breeds of chickens are dying off because of hybrid "factory chickens" that are reared for production.

Good luck! I'll be anxious to see what you come up with.

[spuds]

Our Buffs are pretty friendly calm birds.Very good in cold,dont know about heat.I wouldnt mind getting more,nice birds.

[Tonnymonk]

Good luck choosing! We are going to get some more birds and are not sure what type to go with. I'm glad you posted this- it'll help us decide which to go with as well!

[mckenzygirl]

So I was wondering .......
What did you decide? What breed of chicken did you go with? Please tell us! I know I'm dyin' to know!