Which breed ~ For self sufficieny purposes?

[Farmfresh]

I have had good luck with Ameraucanas, probably my favorites STILL!

I also like, except for the full combs, White Rocks, Black Stars (I had one that was an egg machine for MANY years) and I am liking the Marans more and more as well. I never had very good luck with the Wyandottes, but I think I had a poor strain.

Some Standard Cornish can be good layers and so are Old English Game hens.

 

[Iceblink]

Ok, I have to chime in for the Dorkings. The two breeders I know of live in Montana, and Alaska, so there you have it for cold hardiness. Plus, they are the foundation for modern meat breeds, so extra roos would be good eating. And last but not least, they are said the be the oldest pure breed, brought to England with the Romans. Hatching eggs sell for $3 each, so there is another way to make $ from them.

 

[Farmfresh]

Yes I forgot about Dorkings! They are supposed to be wonderful layers.

The Dorkings, Dark Cornish and Standard Game birds are all great foragers and good for free range. The Game roos and Cornish roos can be pretty aggressive, but they protect their hens really well.

Plus a Dorking hen crossed with a Dark Cornish roo is supposed to produce some of the most wonderful tasting birds ever to eat!