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New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:59 am
by YolandaYolk
Im new to backyard chicken keeping and currently researching different breeds to start my flock. I want hens that are good, consistent layersespecially in the winterbut Id prefer to avoid high-production hybrids like Red Sex Links or ISA Browns.
Id also love to have a mix of egg colors beyond just brown! Blues, greens, dark chocolate, or even speckled eggs would make collecting eggs even more exciting.
For those with experience, which heritage or dual-purpose breeds would you recommend for steady egg production and cold hardiness? Bonus if they have great personalities!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 8:48 am
by GoldenYolkGuy
Don't forget about Orpingtons! They aren't flashy in egg color, but they're sweet birds that lay through winter. Add some Easter Eggers and Welsummers for a rainbow egg basket!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 9:36 am
by ChickadeeChampion
For interesting eggs and winter production, try mixing Welsummers (dark speckled eggs), Ameraucanas (blue eggs), and Barnevelders (dark brown eggs). They're all hardy and lay reasonably well in the cold!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 11:10 am
by FeatherAlchemy
Marans lay rich, chocolate-colored eggs and tend to do well in cooler weather. If you want some fun colors, mix them with a few Easter Eggers or Legbars!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 4:16 am
by FlockGuardian
If you want winter layers with colorful eggs, check out Easter Eggers and Black Copper Marans. Easter Eggers give you blues and greens, while Marans lay dark chocolate eggs. Both handle cold well!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 5:16 pm
by FreeRangeDreamer
If you want a truly unique egg basket, try adding some Isbars! They lay mossy green eggs and do well in cold climates. Pair them with Ameraucanas and Welsummers for a great mix!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 2:23 am
by HenAndTonic
YolandaYolk wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2025 7:59 am
Im new to backyard chicken keeping and currently researching different breeds to start my flock. I want hens that are good, consistent layersespecially in the winterbut Id prefer to avoid high-production hybrids like Red Sex Links or ISA Browns.
Id also love to have a mix of egg colors beyond just brown! Blues, greens, dark chocolate, or even speckled eggs would make collecting eggs even more exciting.
For those with experience, which heritage or dual-purpose breeds would you recommend for steady egg production and cold hardiness? Bonus if they have great personalities!
A mix of Black Copper Marans, Welsummers, and Easter Eggers will give you a stunning egg basket with dark brown, speckled, and blue eggs. Perfect for variety!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 4:00 am
by GerryGrit
Buckeyes and Chanteclers were developed for cold climates, so they'll handle winter egg production well. Mix them with some Easter Eggers or Olive Eggers for a bit of color!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2025 12:39 am
by HenVentor
I'd recommend a mix of heritage breeds like Dominiques, Buckeyes, and Easter Eggers. They're all cold-hardy, good winter layers, and lay a mix of brown, blue, and green eggs. The Buckeye especially is great for cold climates!
Re: New to Backyard Chickens, Best Cold-Hardy, Colorful Egg Layers?
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 8:14 pm
by yava