Chicken Breeds

As many of you are contemplating the chicks you will order, I thought I would share my favorite breeds. My two absolute favorite birds are the Buff Brahma and the Black Silke which are opposite ends of the spectrum. The Buff Brahma is an exceptionally large bird standing 30 inches tall weighing 5 to 8 pounds. They lay about 150 large brown eggs annually and they are practically huggable as they are friendly, docile, quiet, and tame. The Black Silkie, on the other hand are small with fluffy plumage that feels like silk or satin. They lay 100 small cream-colored eggs annually and weigh a mere 1.5-3 pounds. They are beautiful, calm, friendly, docile and the best setters I have ever had. They will set any egg and raise the chick. My other favorite breed is a heritage breed called the Buff Orphington. These birds are quiet, kind, and extremely sweet. They lay 190 brown eggs per year and short 12-15 inches tall and broad, heavy bird weighing between 7.5-9.5 pounds. New to our barn this year will be the Buckeye. They are reported to be friendly and docile laying 200 medium brown eggs annually. This bird is the only bird recognized by the American Poultry Association that was developed by a woman – Mrs. Nettie Metcalf or Warren, Ohio and named after the “Buckeye” state. These birds will be raised on certified organic feed as all our barn yard buddies are. You can find our starter, grower, and layer feeds at the RCR Organic Feed Store.