Spring chick season is one of our favorite times of year at Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon. Whether you are starting your first backyard flock or adding new birds to an existing coop, choosing the right breed is an important step.
Different backyard chicken breeds offer different benefits. Some are excellent egg producers, some are unique in appearance, and others are known for calm personalities that make them easy to care for.
Here are a few of the popular chick breeds we are currently carrying at Burns Feed Store and what makes each one a great addition to a backyard flock.
California White chickens are a favorite for backyard egg production. They look very similar to the White Leghorns they were developed from but are slightly larger and often have small black speckles in their white feathers.
These birds are known for being efficient egg layers while still having a calm personality that works well for backyard flocks.
Key characteristics
Many customers like adding California Whites to a flock of brown egg layers because the white eggs add variety to the egg carton.
If your main goal is consistent egg production, this is one of the most reliable backyard chicken breeds available.
ISA Browns are one of the most popular backyard chicken breeds in the poultry industry. They are well known for both their impressive egg production and their gentle personality.
These birds are easy to care for and very approachable, making them a great choice for families and first time chicken keepers.
Key characteristics
A fun fact about ISA Browns is that the chicks are easy to identify at hatch. The pullets are red and the cockerels are white.
Because of their friendly nature and strong egg production, ISA Browns continue to be one of the top sellers at Burns Feed Store in Gresham.
If you are looking for something a little different, Mystic Onyx chickens are a standout bird.
Originally developed as a meat bird similar to Asian Black breeds, these chickens quickly became popular because of their striking appearance. They were developed by crossing Silkies with meat birds and selecting for size along with their dark skin and meat.
Mystic Onyx birds resemble rare black chickens like the Svart Hona or Ayam Cemani, but often feature beautiful orange or red highlights in their feathers. Their plumage can show deep black with iridescent green shine along with reddish flares.
Key characteristics
Their unique coloring makes them a favorite for customers who want a visually interesting backyard flock while still getting dependable egg production.
Prairie Bluebell Eggers are a great option if you want colorful eggs in your basket. These birds lay beautiful blue eggs while still producing eggs consistently.
This breed was created by crossing Araucanas with White Leghorns. The result is a bird that lays blue eggs but produces them more reliably than many pure blue egg breeds.
Key characteristics
Prairie Bluebell Eggers are also great foragers. They are lightweight birds and tend to eat less feed than larger breeds.
Their plumage varies widely, which means each bird can have a different pattern and color combination. This adds even more visual variety to your backyard chicken flock.
When selecting backyard chicken breeds, it helps to think about your goals for your flock.
Here are a few things to consider.
If egg production is your top priority
Both of these breeds are excellent egg layers and very dependable.
If you want colorful eggs
Blue eggs add a fun pop of color to your egg carton.
If you want a unique looking bird
Their dark plumage and red highlights make them one of the most eye catching birds in the coop.
Many backyard chicken keepers choose a mix of breeds so they can enjoy different egg colors, personalities, and appearances.
To view our full list of incoming chicks view our chick schedules here: https://burnsfeed.com/baby-chicks-portland-gresham/
Chick season is a great time to start or grow your backyard flock. Our team at Burns Feed Store in Gresham, Oregon is always happy to help you choose the right backyard chicken breeds for your setup.
We also carry everything you need to get started including:
Stop by Burns Feed Store in Gresham to see the chicks in person and talk with our team about which backyard chicken breeds might be the best fit for your coop.
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