Breeds

The following breeds are what makes up our current flock. If you have questions about breeds not listed, feel free to Contact Us.

If you're just getting started we recommend Orphingtons, Barred Rocks, or Rhode Island Reds. These breeds are all very friendly and great layers!

Buff Orpington

This is a Buff Orpington. They have a broad body with thick long feathers, often making it look like they are wearing a skirt. They will lay a large, brown egg everyday. "Buff" refers to the golden color. They are also bred in black, white, and lavender. Orpington's are typically known as the mother hen. We have heard a lot of people say you don't want to keep these with a more aggressive breed because they will get picked on. In all of the flocks we have had, the Buffs have been the ones in charge and leading everyone around like a true mother.

Barred Rock

This chick is a Barred Rock, also known as a Plymouth Rock. Barred refers to the black and white color while Plymouth Rocks are also bred in white, silver, blue, and several other colors. The other varieties of Plymouth Rocks would be called for example, White Rocks. BRs have a classic single comb and the shape of their tail feathers helps make that beautiful arch in the back, giving them that classic chicken stance. They lay about 200 large, brown eggs a year. BRs do well in cold climates and are dual purpose. We have never raised a BR rooster but, we know the hens are sweet, active, and can have a plucky personality. Fun Story: In college we had a flock with two BRs. One of which at night had a roosting spot in the coop that was her spot. If any other chicken tried to roost there, she would quickly make them move. This happened every single night, no exceptions. Naturally we named her Sheldon and the other BR Penny. I hope some of you got that Big Bang Theory reference.

Ameraucana

These ladies are Ameraucana chickens! As you can see, the feather patterns can vary anywhere from a reddish brown to black and so many other colors! Ameraucanas have bushy feathers on their cheeks making their face super cute like a chipmunk. They are typically on the smaller side for a chicken and have gentle temperaments. They lay about 200 eggs a year in various shades from light blue to almost a sea foam green! But to be clear, each chicken only lays one color. Many people also call them Easter Eggers (because of the egg color) which is actually a hybrid breed. Either way, adding some color to your egg collection is always fun!

Salmon Faverolles

This cute chick is a Salmon Faverolle. We have never had this breed in a flock before so we are excited to learn about them! We know they are feather footed and have five “toes”, three that make up a classic chicken foot and then two almost in the position of a dew claw if it were on a dog. We have also noticed that they mature a lot slower than other breeds which isn’t all bad because they hold on to that chick fluff a lot longer! Faverolle’s have fluffy feathers all around their face almost giving them a Santa Clause type look. They have white feathers on most of their body and darker salmon colored feathers on their back that looks like a saddle. The roosters have a completely different look with a black beard and chest but, white feathers on their back and head. The hens lay about 200 slightly brown tinted eggs a year. From what we’ve read, Faverolles have quite the humorous personality. While foraging they sometimes bump into each other and then continue to run around as if they have somewhere really important to be. We’ve already seen them bump into a few things as chicks and it’s quite hilarious to watch.

Golden Laced Wyandotte

This pretty girl is a Golden Laced Wyandotte. They are most known for their feather pattern of a gold base with a black outline, making it look like lace. Wyandottes are bred in silver, blue, black, and so many other colors! The hens lay about 200 pale brown eggs every year. Wyandottes are also dual purpose weighing on average 6 to 8 pounds for hens and roos, respectively. They are docile and friendly making them great backyard chickens. These birds have a rose comb instead of the single tall comb you typically see. This makes them hardy in the winter because they are less prone to frostbite. Myth Buster: Some people think a tall single comb is a trait of a rooster but, that’s a myth! Although roosters typically have larger combs and waddles, many hen breeds have a single tall comb as well

Rhode Island Red

This is a Rhode Island Red! Probably one of the most common breeds, they have more of a long, rectangular shape. They are dual purpose meaning they can be raised for both meat and eggs. RIRs lay about 300 large, brown eggs a year. Fun Story: RIRs were the first chickens my family ordered from @mcmurray_hatchery when I was a kid, so I definitely have a soft spot for the breed. The hens are fairly calm and easy to handle. However, the roosters can be aggressive. We had one rooster named Hawk and I remember him chasing me all over the yard wanting to get a good peck in. I had to jump up on the fence and wait until he decided something else was more interesting. I’m sure as an adult the roosters are easier to handle but, as a little kid that thing felt like a monster!

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