You’ve been thinking about chickens or turkeys and decided it’s time to take the plunge and start a flock of your own. Here is some helpful information on the different breeds available through your local Farm & Ranch Supply store.
Rhode Island Red
- Excellent layers, producing more than 250 medium-sized eggs per year
- Very friendly and docile
- Easy to care for – can adapt to confinement or free ranging
- Hardy breed
Barred Plymouth Rock
- Dual-purpose breed with tasty meat and good egg production
- Produces about 200 large brown eggs per year
- Easy to manage
- Cold weather resistant
- Easy keepers that have a calm temperament
Columbian Rock
- Large dual-purpose breed
- Produces up to 300 eggs annually
- Quiet and docile
- Extremely hardy
Miller’s Red Sussex Cross
- Heavier bird that is easy to maintain
- Lays lighter brown medium-sized eggs
- Hens are very quiet
- Great meat birds ranging between 5.5lb and 6.5lb at 16 weeks
Miller’s White Leghorn
- Lays large white eggs
- Excellent shell quality
- Quiet temperament even though they are leghorns