5 TOP CHICKENS TO GET AND WHY! OFF GRID with DOUG and STACY'S PICKS

OFF GRID with DOUG and STACY are talking CHICKENS. Today is the top 5 list and why we chose them!
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When choosing chickens for the HOMESTEAD or the BACK YARD you have to consider a few things. What is the climate? What are you expecting from the bird? Meat or eggs or both! Hope you enjoy the video and subscribe to the channel!
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About OFF GRID with DOUG and STACY:
We moved to our 11 acres in 2011 from a large city in the Midwest with zero carpentry and farming skills. We live with no solar / wind power / public water or well. We share our adventure to a sustainable life, growing our own food from vegetables to meat. We post videos DAILY and they range from HOW TO to EVERYDAY LIFE and NUTRITION on the off grid homestead. We were city folks just like you probably and wanted to enjoy life and have more control over our food. We share food recipes as well as natural remedies.

[@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY]

"GET CLOSER TO YOU FOOD" T SHIRTS FROM OFF GRID with DOUG AND STACY ~ shop.bonfire.com/offgrid/

[@dennisst.germaine3497]

Doug and Stacy~ Any chance of a 'hoodie' sweatshirt being added to your clothing line?

[@jkhenderson1]

OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY THANK YOU! We really appreciate this information more than we can tell you! We get our first chickens in Spring and this is priceless to us.

[@lisacharles598]

I just came across your channel and I LOVED IT!! SO INFORMATIVE! and I have no favorite but love the idea of the Plymouth laying all year!! Definitely getting those! Thank you!🧡

[@pantaleoroda5736]

Leghorns are good winter layers too...As are Anconas and Sicilian buttercup, but of course they're not so cold resistant as the breed you are mentioning...here in Italy they do very well, as I think they would do in any mild climate...and they're wonderful looking birds ( ever seen a magnificent Golden Leghorn rooster in full sunlight?). Best wishes from Italy, you have a very interesting channel, go on like this...and man, you're sooooo sexy...sorry but I had to tell you!!!

[@gregzeigler3850]

I'm surprised you didn't pick Speckled Sussex. A hen will lay 4-5 eggs a week. Sit on eggs. Are both a meat bird and and an egg layers. Some shade does them well in hot weather. Cold doesn't affect them. Will lay all winter. Also from across the pond. Calm friendly birds.

[@melodyshomesteadlife]

Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex, Easter Eggers. Love them all and they are doing great here in NC.

[@godsun316]

Where do you purchase your chickens from. I'm here in wake county

[@Mimzy_Springdale]

Melody Bowman I’m in NWFL and these are perfect for my area and my favorites too.

[@CristinLive]

@@Mimzy_Springdale Im also in NWFL how many varities of chicken do you have?

[@Mimzy_Springdale]

@Cristin Live we had coyote issue a while back so I’m down to Americanas and Rhode Island Red.

[@smallblockchevyman]

Love my speckled sussex also just got coronation sussex I enjoy them as well

[@dougmapper3306]

We have sapphire olive eggers and cuckoo marans, and we live in Michigan. Never heated the coop, no issues down to -20°F, and except in winter you hardly need to feed them if they free range. We have only 7 hens but we get about 5 eggs a day winter and summer. Best decision I ever made was to get chickens. The kids love them!

[@daviswardsod1315]

It's 2023 and I'm finally ready for the chicken on homestead, thankful I can go back and get this info! Thanks Doug and Stacy

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Our favs are Barred Rocks, Wyandotte's, Buff Orpingtons and White Leghorns.

[@hollygordon1693]

Yay chickens! We have four Rhode Island Red hens in our urban flock and they are a fantastic breed in Oklahoma. :-). While we live in town, we took our lawn/grass out and planted trees, veggies/fruit and flowers. I love getting in the dirt and getting back to my farming roots on Grandma's dairy farm.

[@sararenee7487]

Stacy: "They look so pretty when they are walking around." Doug: "So do you!" Be still my heart! You both still have that little spark after all these years! I love that!

[@jarretv5438]

Spark? Man there on fire

[@n0tofthisw0rld]

We raise Australorp chickens and we love them so much. Great birds. Gentle, sweet, and great for eggs and meat. I was so happy to see them on your list. We have other breeds because we like variety, but those are definitely our favorites!

[@nordicstormmalamutesarctic9046]

Agree!

[@wayneperry7077]

I've always had great luck with Rhode Island Reds. Years ago I had a RIR hen sit on some eggs and only one hatched, it turned out to be a rooster I named Donny Jr. after his father Donny. He grew up to be huge, even big for a RIR and was one handsome fellow with brilliant dark red and green tail feathers. The weird thing is, at about a year old he wanted to be around me constantly. He'd go to the coop a few times a day to eat, then come looking for me. When he heard my truck coming home from work he'd come running. No matter where I was or what I was doing, Donny Jr. had to be there hanging out with me. Not once did he even try to spur me. He even roosted in a tree next to my bedroom window ! When he was three or so he just disappeared, I think a coyote must have got him. 20 years later I still miss Donny Jr., he was a one-of-a-kind rooster, an enigma and my good buddy.

[@melissamike6959]

Several years ago I had the Wyandotte, the Australorp, the Barred Rock, the Buff Orpington, the Cherry Egger, and the Easter Egger (30 mixed total). You guys are spot on about the temperament of the Barred Rock and the Buffs. They are very calm and quiet birds, and once you handle them enough love attention. The Cherry Egger, while not having the rep of a 'people seeking' bird, can be in the right conditions. My dad had a hen that we called his girlfriend. Every time he was outside, she was either following him all over the yard talking to him or sitting on his boot when he stopped moving. She was totally enamored with him! We just recently purchased 6 chicks-2 Buffs, 2 Australorp, and 2 Jersey Giants. Starting small and manageable! I had almost forgotten how fun chickens are. I am using these babies to show my grandkids how to care for livestock, understand where their food comes from, experience what it takes to get from beginning to end, and how to be responsible (they are 8 and 5). They are in love so far, so we shall see! We also have Chuck the Duck. Poor Chuck, who is actually a female, was ill and our local farm store let me have her for free. Poor Chuck (upchuck the duck is her official name) was having issues with vomiting, but is happy and healthy now, and will most likely grow up thinking she is a chicken! Gotta love that farm bird life!

[@superstarcat7654]

I hope you get duck eggs. Yummy!!

[@joybickerstaff194]

@@superstarcat7654 Hello! I have never eaten a duck egg, I’m guessing u have by ur comment. I have had chickens, I wanted a few ducks, but hearing how messy they r and that their eggs r better for baking and not fried or scrambled, I didn’t get any mainly because what was said about the eggs. Plus, if u say they r yummy, then why aren’t other youtubers/viewers talk of eating duck eggs ??? Thank u

[@superstarcat7654]

@@joybickerstaff194 I am allergic to chicken eggs, but duck eggs are great! They are a little bigger and I use them in baking so I can have cookies and brownies again . I don’t push my luck and have scrambled eggs, but just to have some baking that doesn’t work right with eggless substitutes. My hubby who does eat eggs, says they taste the same as the free range chicken eggs my daughter raises.

[@superstarcat7654]

@@joybickerstaff194 About raising ducks-they have to have water every day to clear their noses, just like geese. A wading pool or sheep water tank (lower than a cow tank) works and in winter use a tank heater. Be sure to have a ramp in and out of the water. They can also use a duck watering tray made for their longer bills. Other than that, my daughter treats all her free range birds the same. But they do get waterfowl food instead of chicken food.

[@lindahicks7831]

We used my grandfather's incubator to hatch chicks in grade 6.Loved the experience.All schools should do this,Teaching children to grow their own food,gives them self esteem and knowledge!

[@russelfigley]

I started with Rhode Island Reds, loved them. Added Black Austrolorps, Golden Comets, both great. Right now in the brooder I have Rhode Island Reds, Lavender Orpingtons, and Plymouth Barred Rocks. It's been cold in Ohio and not currently getting eggs but come Spring, look out!

[@rockinrickard61]

I've been getting eggs in Ohio. Not as many as in the warmer weather, but we're still getting between 1 and 6 a day with 12 hens.

[@lazybee9011]

I love my Golden Comet, but that's an egg laying sex-link hybrid, not a true breed. She's my best chicken and I sure wish I could breed her, but no such luck!

[@onewhitestone]

1. Fried, 2. BBQ'ed, 3. oven roasted, 4. parmesan, 5. General So. My top five chicken.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Headly Lemar That is a fine list...

[@burtonwillis6454]

See how you do

[@fadedglory1045]

👏🤣

[@reesekolcow6136]

Almost agreed - but i do like chicken & biscuits with gravy.

[@randywiley66]

Lol not our babies

[@Pinkenstein]

I forgot to mention, my Clyde calendar arrived yesterday and I could not be more excited, and relieved! I've ordered a ton of heirloom seeds from Baker Creek and I designed a 208 sq/ft raised bed to officially start my suburban 'steading quest. Building supplies were delivered yesterday, and Operation Garden Build will commence tomorrow morning! I was quite intimidated all along, but as soon as I got a good look at Clyde's calendar, it all melted away! I am now confident and determined that I can do it! Thank you, Doug & Stacy and Clyde!! Your videos grow my confidence and nudge me a little closer each day to my goals, thanks to your shared knowledge and good ideas. My homestead dream is within reach! P. S. My blueberries have been thawing in the fridge, and I'm really looking forward to trying the chia jam this weekend. Chia pudding is my not-so-guilty pleasure, and I'm certain the jam will be fantastic. Thanks, Stacy, for sharing that idea as well!

[@walbathreadkiller]

Good luck! I got things around and I'm going to order Clyde's Calendar this weekend. Blessings

[@Pinkenstein]

Walba Threadkiller You won't regret it! SO MUCH more value than the $5 asking price!

[@alezajohnson1908]

What is Clydes Calendar

[@Pinkenstein]

Aleza Johnson It's a planting calendar/chart. Just google it.

[@alezajohnson1908]

Pinkenstein thanks. I googled clydes calendar before asking but it didn't come up. I added planting and I found it.

[@jtc1947]

BEAUTIFUL BIRDS & Y'ALL keep them in great health!

[@deannahenry8314]

I LOVE my cream legbars! No issue with heat or cold, beautiful and lay tons of pale blue eggs.

[@staceyvegamarkum4071]

Congratulations to the winners! Another awesome video, I will be considering these breeds when choosing my flock! Thank you, God bless you!

[@MilsurpMikeChannel]

You can never go wrong with Plymouth Barred Rock. Those have been our best chickens.

[@sherirottweilersforever7772]

My Wyandotte’s lived longer than any other chickens 15 years for one hen.

[@Justme77400]

I had chickens for a short time when I lived in OK. They are such nice birds to be around. They way they followed me around whenever I was outside and made their cute little chucking noises. I fell in love. I'd love to have them again some day.

[@charliesmith643]

Here in Nashville we are known for our HOT chicken. Here's a top 5 list: 1. Hattie B's - Cowboy Up and try "Shut the Cluck Up"2. 400 Degrees3. Prince's4. Pepperfire5. Bolton's It's how we strut...

[@jeffbugiel667]

We bought 10.5 acres 3 years ago and started our chickens last year, we started with white leghorn, isa brown, barred rock, rhode island red and starlite green eggers. This year, we picked up 2 wyndotte roosters and have 3 wyndotte chicks (3-4 weeks old) and 3 americaunas. Our first chick hatched from our flock was a barred rock, and we have 22 various eggs hatching out right now, 4 hatched, several pipped and still on day 20... Fun fun.

[@TheFabFarmer]

The barred rock and black australorp are my favorites too. I’ve heard that hawks will mistake black australorps for crows and leave them alone.

[@philliphall5198]

Our LGDs will chase them while there close to chickens or goats and bark Every thing will freeze while dogs are barking and running around

[@timmullins2797]

Thanks for all your help you two are doing a good job, people need to know in these days " knowledge is worth more than Gold" I have downloaded all your videos for reference ✌️👍

[@jodiekeefe4651]

Minnesota here. We have a mix of 20. Brown and white leghorns, Black Copper Marans, Easter Eggers, Lavender Orpington, Buff Orp., Sapphire Gem & Americauna. Love all the different egg colors and these gals tolerate our winters pretty well.

[@SiDung-qg7rn]

We’ve had quite a few and would consider them Barred Plymouth Rock to be the most balanced breed, combining intelligence, toughness, affection & friendliness, egg production as well other utilities.

[@cindypendleton7901]

We loved our Black Australorps the most and the Wyandottes came in second. So sweet.

[@adamdean1636]

All great breeds. I have Rhode Island reds and brahma chickens. The Brahmas are an old heritage breed that I really like!!!

[@oldchickenlady]

I got my first Brahmas last June and the one I kept is still not laying, though physically ready - bones already 3 fingers width, bright red around the face. I know they mature slower than other breeds but nearly eight months and no eggs??? What is your experience with them? Also, the one I kept has been the meanest pullet I have ever had! I only tried them because I wanted a big, good, gentle broody but I'm not so sure she is going to work out.

[@jred1838]

Adam Dean my Brahma never laid. Glad it is working for you.

[@adamdean1636]

I don't know I have no prob with mine they are very gentle there are a couple years old I think but great chickens I feed a mix of 3 way scratch whole corn and laying pellets you can get unmed pellets maybe yalls are inbreed I don't know

[@sherimcneil3079]

My Brahma is from a breeder....i wonder if her strain was bred for looks and not so many eggs (even though i have read they aren't the best layers anyway). If she settles down and is a good broody, she can stay, if not.....

[@alezajohnson1908]

oldchickenlady if a pullet reaches laying age during time of year when most chickens are not laying because of cold and less than 14 hours of light per day, they won't start laying till it warms up.

[@marciaolson4878]

We just got new chicks and picked your top five! Three are new to us, glad to hear your input. We are excited to begin a new flock!

[@moonboundartisanship6911]

I don't raise them, but did an internship at a 1840's farm museum which included farm chores! I have a special place in my heart for Black Java Chickens from that time. The museum - Garfield Farm Museum - is in Illinois and is working on rescuing this breed. They have beautiful iridescent black feathers and pink eggs. There are white Javas too and the museum has a flock of them as well. Both did well in the climate of northern IL, but no one is depending on them for food either.

[@StoneKathryn]

Thanks for bringing this breed up. I have never heard of them.

[@joanneartz1254]

Rewatching chicken videos...because! I'm getting chickens again! So excited

[@LaydeeKye]

Tremendously helpful video as always! Thank you so much!

[@TheIntuitiveBodyFoodieNetwork]

This was very helpful; thank you. Raised chickens as a kid, but never paid attention to what breeds my dad bought. I live in zone 5 and am thinking these birds will be perfect.

[@VochosGranja]

Got a new intro, Looks awesome, Hey Doug, did you loose some weight? Right on Homie :) Stay warm ya'll.

[@francesgannon8990]

This is great information! I am wanting chickens again (we’ve had them 3 different times in our 53 years married. We live in a small town in north of San Diego,7 miles from the beach. My front yard is my vegetable garden, back yard orchard blueberries and herbs. I’m doing so much fermenting too. Thanks so much to both of you!! Oha

[@kstutler1]

We have Leghorns, Black Astralorp and Wyandottes. 1 Astralorp Rooster. Thanks for all you do to wake up the others. Great information here!

[@doubledforge]

Thank you for sharing your favorite 5. I'm keeping the list for down the road. We kept White Rocks and Black Australorps for years. The Black Australorp were my favorite.

[@zwz.zdenek]

My friend has Plymouth buff rocks and barred rock; he likes the buff ones more, personal preference. We get mild winters, never had a problem, but he still sometimes locks them up for a couple harsh days. He found that the roosters' aggressiveness varies and you want to choose wisely which one you'll keep for your flock.

[@itsopinion7430]

Most folks that keep chickens have their favorite breeds. Chickens are very much individuals and thinking that a particular breed is one of the best is a matter of experience with that bird and that bird's particular personality. As an example, I don't care for buffs, or bard rocks as they were either mean or neurotic but they are loved by this couple. My favs are Black austerlops, specked sussex, marans and sexlinks. I like them for different reasons and personality is the game changer for me.

[@virginiapreston4735]

I love the buff orpingtons I've had them for years and the roosters are the most calm roosters I've ever had.

[@JaxJettiesBabe]

Rhode Island Red. The roosters are mean! I raised one since he was a few weeks old, but when he was an adult, he attacked me constantly in the pen, in the yard, didn't matter. I've had great success with Wyandotte and Buff Orphington.

[@lukehall3486]

Tammie Ferrell that is good to know!! I’ve had success in taming my Rhode Island Red roosters in the past - but I’ll keep this in mind for the future. Thanks! I have some videos about chickens on my channel if you would like to watch them!! It would mean a lot

[@jillroberts2548]

Top five from Paydirtranch In TN: Silver Laced Wyandotte English Sussex Buff Orpington Sapphire Gems Rhode Island Red Always like trying new breeds. 🐓🐣 Thanks for sharing your comments.

[@kristenm7380]

In SW Virginia: Americauna (still laying in 0 degrees), Black Australorp, and of course Barred Rock. They’ve all tolerated the cold well, and have remained gentle.

[@DyadyaRona]

Hi Doug and Stacy. From Ron in the Philippines. Formerly MN. I raised a lot of kinds and Delaware were my no. One choice. Good egg laying and foragers also great insect controller. Thanks

[@f1nalapoc]

Everyone always suggests the rhode island red but in my experience they are always the first chickens to try to lay their eggs somewhere other than the nesting boxes!

[@kellyellingson2335]

I had almost ever breed in Manitoba, Canada. I loved my Light Sussex, Orpington, Black Australorp, Wyandotte, and Maline

[@tammynolan2510]

I think you guys are great. We just bought 13 acres we are trying to Homestead off grid. We have 12 chickens three barred rocks, and three brahmas, 2 leghorns 2 silkies and one did I don't know what she is but she is a sweetie then the rooster is part Rhode Island red and he is so sweet but I'm still cautious. The weather here gets down to 20 degrees and up to a hundred and ten. I have had no problems with the chickens. I love them and I will do anything for them. Except bring them in my house. Laugh out loud. Very good video you guys put out.

[@MoatCottage]

All great choices for top chook breeds. My top 5 are 1- Australorp 2- Light Sussex 3- Plymouth Rock 4- Silverlaced Wyandotte 5- Rhode Island Red

[@Lea-mf7sv]

Why australorp and sussex on top? :)

[@MoatCottage]

Australorp and Light Sussex are my top 2 because I like the bigger breeds, they are fabulous mothers and have wonderful personalities, they are also good layers. They also suit my climate -6C to 46C

[@angrypatriot2458]

👍 HI Doug and Stacey! I'm in the drawing for the f150 , I know these videos probably don't count for it but I wanted to mention that my wife and I are enjoying your older videos as well as new ... Western New York here . My top five chickens, Bard Rock , Buff Orrington , Road Island Red , Black Maran , Jersey Giant ... My wife and I also have leghorn's too , they're great egg layers... God bless you both.

[@BluegrassHomestead]

Gosh, I don't know about top 5, I love them all. We are in Kentucky and have Buff Orpington Chickens and Ducks, Plymouth Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, Hoover Blacks, Red Rangers and newest added are Golden Comets. The first three breeds are for eggs, I know they are dual purpose but we love them. The Red Rangers and Golden Comets are typically meat birds, although they still lay. So far, the Golden Comets have done amazingly here, the Red Rangers not so much, but I still love them! Can't wait to try some Cornish soon! Thanks Doug and Stacy, Love you guys!

[@patriciasimmon6854]

Great informative video! Love how you changed background with each bird choice, especially laundry drying on your clothes lines. 💕from Ky

[@marksalyers1379]

After researching chickens for traits like multi use, disposition, and cold hardiness, we decided on golden laced wyandotte.

[@nancycrandall6244]

My favorite chicken is the Americanas they lay beautiful eggs an they gentle not aggressive!

[@ruthielemaire1229]

Rhode Island red, Dominickers ,White leggings,Golden Rocks Bannies,Games Cornish Hens ....... love watching you Doug and Stacy on Homestead homie

[@weetreebonsai]

tweeted Congratulations to the winners!

[@katmarie4751]

Plymouth Barred Rock sounds like a fit for us since we have little children around!

[@tiptopgirl4124]

Wow. Fixing to order and This is what I needed to hear. Exactly!

[@HS-ix5se]

I got most of mine because I watched your video! Barred rock is all I’m missing. Flock has grown to 16 and hatching more this week!

[@davesilbersdorf3639]

Hi guys Started following you this year (2022) I have 6 different breeds, and 4 of them are your 5 breeds, which really pleased me, I feel like I did a great job researching and selecting my chickens. I have Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Barred Rock, Lavender Orpington, Black/Red Laced Wyondotte, Blue Copper Moran, and Blue Cochin. I selected my chickens based on size of egg and annual production, weather tolerant to hot and cold, temperment as I have Grandchildren, and also being a quiet breed. I feel like I hit a home run. They are all gorgeous, but my absolute favorite is the Rhode Island Red. Thank you for your videos, very informative. 🤟😎

[@darkskinwoman]

Thanks for narrowing it down. This is very helpful for beginners!

[@mariemin946]

Y’all are so cute a Couple!!! And very informative about chickens too ! Awesome personalities !!

[@HAYA777.]

Nothing beats a silky for going Brody year around time after time they will set on a golf ball

[@danagreen9264]

Well I didn't realize how long I've been watching you, felt I needed brushing up on bird choices , so I put you 2 on & I had already liked the video lol hope your weekend is fun wish I was with you 😊

[@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY]

Thanks Dana!

[@msdottie1]

We’ve had Sapphire Gems and they are great egg layers and do well in the cold.

[@salinamartin8711]

We are not "off the grid" (I wish) but live out in the country. I had been talking about having a few chickens for eggs, pets, A hobby because we are empty nesters now. Kids are gone and I have time. A year ago my daughter called me and asked if I would take a chick that they found in their parking lot at her job (rural area in Georgia. So I did and I FELL IN LOVE WITH HER! With covid I am a complete shut in because of my health and that funny little baby made me laugh and a year later I'm still laughing daily! For 8 months she slept in a guinea pig cage at night in the house and has free run of an acre of land during the day. My husband FINALLY got my coop done. So now she is outside. She follows me everywhere. And guess what? RHODE ISLAND RED! She is my little love! A few days ago I got two more chicks that are about three weeks old. They are in the house. But I have a pen outside so my big girl can get used to them.but not hurt them. Anyway my second was a Plymouth (kicked back lovely bird) but the third is a White Leg horn. Kinda high strung. But I love them all. When hubby surprised me with the new chicks I burst out crying. He was confused but I was so happy! Anyway, I can't wait to watch your videos! I am big on cooking and growing herbs and canning. I'm from Iowa and we were all farmers, lol! Btw my Rhode I. R. Lays 6 eggs a week!

[@seekingtruth7355]

Thanks for the details on all of these birds! You two rock!!

[@candyflair7946]

I mixed Astralorp with Arucana and ended up with one black hen that layed blue eggs. She was beautiful with soft feathers.

[@lindahanke]

The Easter Egger and the black Austrolarp are VERY quiet making them my choice for backyard chickens.

[@salemthorup9536]

I have had or currently have at least one of every single one of those breeds except the black Austrolorp. They are all great birds.

[@kathmandu2285]

My top chickens are most of yours. Barred rocks, black astralorps, bluffs orpingtons, wyandottes, and this year we have one Colombian rock.

[@glennanderson8783]

I ordered not 1 but 2 planting guides one for me and one for my brother cant wait for them to get here.

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

With y’all Brother Rhode Island Red 1. I also like blue lace red Wyandot beautiful birds. My flock is mixed love to see all the difference Colors.

[@amydelpiere9315]

I have been raising chickens for years and am still in big time trial mode! RIR were the first breed we purchased and we did not get along. Sorry Doug. In all fairness, they were the guinea pigs of my chicken keeping adventure. I have learned a lot since then. I have more chickens than we need and still want to try them all! Some that we have raised that I do like are the Buff Orpington, Silver Laced Wyandotte (had hens only), Buff Brahma, Welsummer and Amaracauna. We currently have a few Partridge Rock hens and we've had some Barred Rock in the past, they seem to be solid easy going hens too. Thank you for talking about your chickens and why you like them. I love to hear what other people have to say about their flocks.

[@keystonefarm2661]

Our flock (in northern Utah) consist of Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rock, Americana, California greys.

[@paulhaggard8746]

Appreciate the guidance on chickens. Just getting started. Blessings...

[@casey1204]

Your list is accurate 👍 Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps are my favorites. Basically the same chicken, different colors.

[@rbmatch1]

I keep Rhode Island Reds because I live in the Mohave Desert. They do well out here.

[@iexpectmiracles]

I haven't picked out my favorites yet cuz I'm still trying to persuade my hubby to get some now they passed a law here in our town that we can once again have chickens!

[@OldesouthFarm]

My American Breese Chickens have totally out done any heritage chicken I have had. They lay around 4 to 4.5 months and the roos have really broad breasts so can reduce the Roo population into the freezer. The hybrid chickens with the Breese has been fantastic too. These are my homestead birds. They were the only ones laying in the horrid heat of Alabama and are laying with our record cold in Alabama currently...

[@wvdiggingroots]

Thank you Doug Stacy for chicken information I always wanted road Island red's and my daughter is bringing me some now. I building a new coop. With 8 bed and roost to..

[@camperjack2620]

Lets hear it for Rhode Island!!!!

[@CabininProgress]

Go to channel before starting any project. Good hearted couple.

[@ronniepapepape1629]

Good to know and I shared this with my Facebook friends.

[@ANGELMOON4217]

i HAVE A BUFF ROOSTER AND HE IS THE GENTLEST , LOVE YOUR SHOW

[@QuirkyPegasy]

Buffs are friendly too mine loves cuddles

[@HAYA777.]

I agree with her. Plymouth Barred Rock especially heritage is by far better than the red in many ways

[@ReasieRoo]

Hello to Doug, Stacy or anyone else who might see this (5 years after the video was posted)... for SIMPLE RECIPES that use lots of eggs, please point me to that cookbook. I would prefer nutritious meals and not much in the way of pork, for example. (I realize that’s probably asking for a LOT). Anyway, we appreciate this channel. THANK YOU.

[@northernrootsfarm9991]

Top 5 TBD. Will be the first homestead animal once the homestead is officially purchased!

[@arnoldseay9118]

Rhode Island Red, Easter Egger, Japanese silkies, true arucanas and barred rocks. Silkies and true arucanas are the best brooder. Easter egger roosters are really calm and not aggressive. I’ve done buff orphingtons but didn’t have great luck. Different breeds do better in different locations. These were the breeds I did best with in Alaska. Great video.

[@PianoKeysnSixStrings]

Love all these! I’m also having success with my polish girls. They lay 5 eggs a week! Love all my girls.

[@StrangeSkies1111]

I don't have enough experience yet to have a top 5 but so far, my top chickens are Jersey Giants in first place, Rhode island reds coming in at a close second & bared rock in 3rd place

[@mountainryder8]

I am attracted to all those breeds. When I had chickens for a short time, they were Australorps. They were all slaughtered by racoons one night. I plan on getting a straight run of 25 chicks this year with similar breeds because I can't make up my mind! But I'll add some Easter Eggers, Ameracauna to the mix because I like colorful eggs. I'll ultimately keep only a few layers and a roo for the winter, sell the pullets and send the rest of the roos to freezer camp. I'm sure I'll evolve my preferences over time. I live near San Jose, so I don't have to worry about cold and our summers are hot in the day, cool at night because of maritime fog.

[@haroldmarsh716]

Like yourself, the farm I am at has Buff Orpingtons, Black Australorps & Rhode Island Reds. But, they have opted for the heritage Buckeye and colorful Ameraucana. The Lady of the house enjoys collecting "Easter" eggs daily.

[@samueladams1775]

Thanks for your video/work. Good choices, although I went a different route. I have French Copper Marans, Blue and Lavender Ameraucanas, black Black's Jersey Giants and one Brahma ( because I like the Brahma disposition and looks ) The Ameraucana roosters are good at killing copperhead snakes and smaller rattlesnakes which we have here in N. Texas. Plus I like their pretty blue eggs. Nice contrast when mixed with the Marans.

[@suewilkinson5855]

I have all the breeds you mention in my flock except the Wyandotte (which didn't do so well here in Florida). You're right, they're great birds. My favorite is the Buff Orp, a little gal still laying well at the ripe old age of 5. The black Australorps are also sweet natured and good mothers.

[@scotthansel3490]

Your top 5 chickens picks helped me because I want to raise free range chickens

[@UCTJ]

I love my Buffs, definitely my favorite bird. The Rhode Island Reds are great birds too and my Barred Rock rooster is huge, mellow and protective of us from aggressive roosters.

[@leatriceswayywatkins9662]

hi, my top 5 are barred rock, rhode island reds, golden comets, leghorns and easter eggers. I live In las vegas, so HOT summers, 110+ for half of it, and I have found these guys are hardy with a few extra precautions. easter eggers are on my list because I love the diverseness of the eggs! all of my choices are for higher egg production.

[@rodneymiller5926]

Excellent choices for a top five! I totally agree :)

[@Nannaof10]

All those are great but Rhode Island Reds are very agressive birds. I no longer have those or the Buff Orpingtions. I do have the Black Australorpe and the Wyandottes! I also love my Americaunas. They are gentle, quiet and very good layers of blues/greens eggs, which is a fun addition. I live in Southeastern Wisconsin and they are still laying.

[@thedwightguy]

I have a 1927 photo of dad with his Barred Rocks. Where did the time go??? Now, I have them, too.