Chickens and Eggs
Chickens are one of the best additions to any homestead. Don't let naysayers dissuade you. They're hysterical companions in the garden. And the eggs you get provide a tangible return on investment that will have you the envy of your friends and neighbors. Here's my flock:
Light Brahma
"Pudge" and "Shoes"
I confess to buying this breed based on looks alone. I'm glad I did, as they are my favorites. They've got the biggest personalities. They're always eager to go anywhere I'm going. They love to be in my lap or on a shoulder. They're about as calm as a chicken can be. And they run in a hysterically awkward way, as if they were shot out of a chicken cannon. Slower to mature, they were the last to lay, and have slowed down this winter, but they're big, sturdy birds that provide a wonderful change of pace from the traditional flock.
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Stats: Gregarious, curious, heavy body, quiet. Known for feathered feet and steady egg production. This breed is MUCH slower to mature.
Buff Orpington
"Buff" and "Other Buff"
Why did I name them that? Because they're virtually identical, and this breed is like the Golden Retriever of the chicken world. They're very affectionate. My Buffs are the biggest of my flock. They were among the first to lay, and they've not slowed at all during the winter. These two are my most talkative, however. And they like to come up the stairs to my front door and peck on it in the morning while cackling for me to come out.
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Stats: Heavy body, less personality, but very friendly. Excellent layers even in winter.
Danish Brown Leghorns
"Roxy" and "Flopsy"
These beautiful, light-bodied birds are great free rangers in an urban setting. They're the flightiest of my chickens, both figuratively and literally. They're not shy about ranging far away from the rest of the flock. And they like to fly, often ending up atop my fences or in my trees. Their dark, mottled feathered pattern help them blend in and avoid predation. They lay white eggs quite regularly, and haven't had a problem laying through the winter. They chatter a lot, but are quite standoffish and skittish.
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Stats: Light-bodied, flighty, and rangy. Prolific egg layers, but skittish and distant.