Buff orpington or black australorp

[Nikki80]

Taking the plunge and getting 6 female chicks in the spring. But I'm torn between buff orpingtons and black australorps. Eggs aside, I'm looking at their temperaments and weather tolerance. I've read orpingtons are the friendliest, but that they can have a hard time with heat. It gets into the mid 90s, sometimes higher where I live, and where the coop and run will be located will have plenty of shade, plus I plan to have a small kids pool for them to smash around and cool off in regardless of breed. As for the australorps, I read they're almost as friendly as orpingtons and tolerate the heat better. My boyfriend said to just get 3 of each lol I'd rather get 6 of the same breed, not mix and match. Can anyone tell me which they prefer and why?

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

I prefer black orpingtons, they are so friendly and tame, and from my experience they don’t suffer too much in the heat, though the pool and shade is obviously a great idea.
Do you want to hatch chicks, or have a broody hen?

 

[Nikki80]

I prefer black orpingtons, they are so friendly and tame, and from my experience they don’t suffer too much in the heat, though the pool and shade is obviously a great idea.
Do you want to hatch chicks, or have a broody hen?

Definitely not planning to hatch chicks, I did read that buffs can get pretty broody

 

[TooCheep]

Definitely not planning to hatch chicks, I did read that buffs can get pretty broody

Hmmm... My experience is the opposite, though not from large numbers. I've had 2 BAs and both have gone broody, 1 older BO (+3 pullets) that have never gone broody.

My comparison:
-BOs are somewhat more subject to heat issues. They are bigger bodied and fluffy, though the lighter color helps.
-Both are cold hardy as well.
-Shade and easy water access (not just nipple waterers) are very beneficial for either breed to handle heat.
-Breed traits are tendencies. Chickens are individuals, so you will find variations in behavior. BOs tend towards more friendly, but you may find some more skittish ones. In my experience, both BAs have been more skittish, though the current one (who I have to cater more to since she doesn't walk well) has become more tolerant.

I recommend you do try a mixed flock. Neither breed is particularly aggressive, so that won't be an issue. There is always a pecking order, so you can't entirely avoid it. I heavily mixed my first 6 chickens among 4 breeds that met my basic requirements. Observing their behavior and later additions, I've been able to narrow it down and now prefer BOs based on actual experience.

 

[Trooster]

Originally I only wanted BO. As chicken math goes I added 4 breeds BA, RIR, EE, and OE. AS Toocheep recommended I would also encourage you to raise both BO and BA. You wont regret it. Both breeds will do well in your climate. Personally I lean slightly to my BO but many owners prefer BA. Good luck.
Oh BTW, build your coup and run for at least 12 chickens. You will thank me later.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

My boyfriend said to just get 3 of each lol I'd rather get 6 of the same breed, not mix and match. Can anyone tell me which they prefer and why?

These two along with EEs are probably my favorites of all the breeds, though I'm more partial to Black Aussies. We don't get as hot as you here in the NC mountains, but the high altitude sun can be brutal in the summer months and both those breeds do just fine. Just provide plenty of ventilation and shaded areas. You can also add some electrolytes to their water on particularly hot days.

I also agree with your boyfriend and @TooCheep to start with a mixed flock. It can actually make your flock stronger while helping you discover which you like best and works well for you.

Doesn't have to be 3 of each; you could try a 4:2 ratio if there's a particular one you're leaning toward. But I'd definitely get at least two of a breed. I swear they know who their "sisters" are and my birds of a same feather have always flocked together, so to speak.

I've had plenty of Black Australorps and Buffs on our farm through the years along with Lavenders and more, and I've actually never had one go broody. The only broody flock that I've dealt with is a group of Barred Rocks, which aren't supposedly big brooders, so go figure!

 

[CrockChickens9]

I’d say do both! My BOs were friendliest in my first flock. One was a serious lap dog and one was obsessed with food. My remaining BA is a bit of an obsessive head case and not very friendly with new flock mates. Both breeds have been very sweet with me and my young kids. Also this is limited experience as I’ve only had two of each. Good luck!

 

[Nikki80]

I'll definitely give it some thought about getting both. Just got off the phone with our local feed store, fantastic store(not TSC), and they'll be getting both in just a few weeks and said they'll be pullets. They've got a good reputation for chicks being accurately sexed. So yeah, I'll definitely think about getting a few of both