New Breeds for 2026 Spring

[Copper9Miko1]

I sadly just lost a majority of my flock. Don't wanna discuss it to much as it's still raw however my mother now owes me some birds this spring.

I've had many breeds before, my favorites being Brahmas and Speckled Sussex. I liked their friendly manners and goofy moments. I was wondering if any one had some suggestions for some new hens this spring. I prefer friendly breeds and I live in a colder climate I currently have 1 sussex, 2 astrolops and 1 blue cochin.

 

[Debbie292d]

Awe, so sorry about your loss.

Here's a recent article about hardy breeds of chickens: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...eeds-that-thrive-without-fancy-housing.80284/ There's a link at the bottom of that article to a thread that lists I think every chicken there is.

 

[Copper9Miko1]

Awe, so sorry about your loss.

Here's a recent article about hardy breeds of chickens: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...eeds-that-thrive-without-fancy-housing.80284/ There's a link at the bottom of that article to a thread that lists I think every chicken there is.

Thank you! I'll definitely look it over

 

[kattabelly]

I got some Barred Plymouth Rocks this year and they've quickly become some of my favourites. Mine are very friendly but not pushy, calm but confident, curious, funny, and cope well with the weather here (no extreme cold but never all that warm; lots of rain and very windy)

And did I mention, very friendly!

(I've never tried to raise cuddly pet chickens, this was all her!)

 

[Callender Girl]

My friendliest-ever hen was a Buff Orpington who learned to sneak away from the rest of the flock for treats when she'd hear me say, "Where's my fine hen?"

She tolerated temperatures in the double digits below zero as well as triple-digit summer temps. North Central Iowa has it all

I am sorry for your loss and wish you well with new additions in the spring.

 

[Copper9Miko1]

My friendliest-ever hen was a Buff Orpington who learned to sneak away from the rest of the flock for treats when she'd hear me say, "Where's my fine hen?"

She tolerated temperatures in the double digits below zero as well as triple-digit summer temps. North Central Iowa has it all

I am sorry for your loss and wish you well with new additions in the spring.

I had a buff orpingtons before Goldie and Big momma, Goldie sadly was one of the victims yesterday but both were absolutely sweet hearts been wanting to get more for years as I inherited these two from family members years ago they are both back together now

 

[Copper9Miko1]

I got some Barred Plymouth Rocks this year and they've quickly become some of my favourites. Mine are very friendly but not pushy, calm but confident, curious, funny, and cope well with the weather here (no extreme cold but never all that warm; lots of rain and very windy)

And did I mention, very friendly!
View attachment 4241292
(I've never tried to raise cuddly pet chickens, this was all her!)

I did have one of these from an inherited flock. Absolutely sweet heart and very friendly forgot about the breed honestly will definitely look into it! Thank you

 

[Iluveggers]

Besides what you already say you have had, some others would be:
Brahma
Plymouth Rock
Bielefelder
Welsummer
Marans
Salmon Faverolles

Not sure if you would want colorful eggs, but my olive eggers have been much friendlier than my Easter Eggers (all friendly vs all flighty, multiple sources), and my Cream Legbars have been sweethearts as well. I know you mentioned Orpingtons, there are a variety of colors available now if you want to try something new! Lavender are easier to find, and Mt Healthy has like 5 different color options.

Good luck, and I’m sorry for you losses!

 

[Copper9Miko1]

Besides what you already say you have had, some others would be:
Brahma
Plymouth Rock
Bielefelder
Welsummer
Marans
Salmon Faverolles

Not sure if you would want colorful eggs, but my olive eggers have been much friendlier than my Easter Eggers (all friendly vs all flighty, multiple sources), and my Cream Legbars have been sweethearts as well. I know you mentioned Orpingtons, there are a variety of colors available now if you want to try something new! Lavender are easier to find, and Mt Healthy has like 5 different color options.

Good luck, and I’m sorry for you losses!

Thank you for the info! I love Brahmas I've had quite a few, my mom gifted me a Dark Brahma roo 2 years ago and he's a sweet heart.

Welsummers look gorgeous as well. I wanna try cochins too! And yeah i think I want some colored eggs, ive had Americana(think thats how you spell it?) Before when I was 9 I had one named brownie that would sit on my shoulder and walk with me she was a sweetie