Growing golden colored chickens, also known as buff chickens, can be an enjoyable and rewarding endeavor. These birds are not only admired for their stunning beauty but also for their gentle disposition. Whether you are looking to raise chickens as pets or for meat and egg production, golden colored chickens are an excellent choice. They are low-maintenance and can adapt well to various environments, making them suitable for small homesteads.
Golden colored chickens come in a variety of breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and egg-laying capabilities. Some popular breeds include the Buff Brahma, Buff Cochin, Buff Easter Egger, Buff Leghorn, Buff Orpington, Buff-Laced Polish, Buff Rock, Buff Silkie, and Buff-Laced Wyandotte. One standout hybrid breed is the Golden Comet chicken, known for its friendly personality and excellent egg-laying ability.
Raising gold-colored chickens can be a fulfilling experience for subsistence homesteaders. In this article, we will delve into specific breeds, providing valuable information, raising tips, and interesting facts to help you successfully raise your own flock of golden colored chickens.
Key Takeaways:
- Golden colored chickens, also known as buff chickens, are admired for their beauty and gentle nature.
- They can be raised as pets or for meat and egg production.
- Popular breeds include Buff Brahma, Buff Cochin, Buff Easter Egger, Buff Leghorn, Buff Orpington, Buff-Laced Polish, Buff Rock, Buff Silkie, and Buff-Laced Wyandotte.
- One notable breed is the Golden Comet chicken, known for its friendly personality and excellent egg-laying ability.
- Raising golden colored chickens can be a rewarding experience for subsistence homesteaders.
Buff Brahma Chicken: Majestic and Low-Maintenance
The Buff Brahma chicken is a majestic breed admired for its stunning beauty and docile disposition. These low-maintenance birds are a popular choice for chicken enthusiasts. They are suitable for small homesteads and can even be raised as pets, thanks to their friendly nature.
Buff Brahmas are known for their love of free-range areas, where they can roam and forage for insects and seeds. This makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer a more natural diet for their chickens. Their ability to find their own nutrition requirements contributes to their low-maintenance nature.
When it comes to egg production, Buff Brahmas are quite reliable. These chickens typically lay three large brown eggs per week, totaling about 150 eggs per year. The eggs are not only beautiful but also nutritious, making them a great addition to any kitchen.
For those with limited space, the Buff Brahma Bantam is a smaller version of the breed that retains all the charming qualities of its larger counterpart. This miniature version is just as majestic and makes for an adorable pet chicken.
Buff Cochin Chicken: Regal Beauty and Broodiness
The Buff Cochin chicken is a regal breed known for its large size and dense coat. These majestic birds are truly a sight to behold, with their striking golden plumage and magnificent feathering. They have a gentle and calm disposition, making them a favorite among chicken enthusiasts.
One of the standout qualities of the Buff Cochin is their excellent mothering instincts. These chickens are exceptional caretakers and can even hatch and raise other poultry, such as turkeys and ducklings. Their broodiness is a trait that many breeders value, as it allows for natural reproduction and expanding the flock.
When it comes to egg-laying, the Buff Cochin is not the most prolific breed. They typically lay medium-sized eggs, about 2 or 3 times per week. This translates to approximately 180 eggs per year. While not the highest egg production rate, the quality of their eggs is excellent. The shells are sturdy, and the yolks are rich and flavorful.
In addition to being good layers, Buff Cochins also make excellent meat birds. The males can reach an impressive weight of 10-11 pounds, while the females typically weigh around 8.5 pounds. Their ample size and well-developed muscles make them a great choice for those looking to raise chickens for meat.
It’s worth noting, however, that Buff Cochins are known for their broodiness. This means they have a strong tendency to go into a nesting and incubating mode, often neglecting their egg-laying duties. If you’re primarily seeking a breed that consistently produces a high number of eggs, the Buff Cochin may not be the ideal choice.
Key Features of the Buff Cochin Chicken:
- Regal beauty and stunning golden plumage
- Excellent mothering instincts and ability to hatch and raise other poultry
- Medium egg production of about 2-3 eggs per week
- High-quality eggs with sturdy shells and flavorful yolks
- Impressive meat production potential with males weighing 10-11 pounds and females weighing 8.5 pounds
- Tendency towards broodiness, prioritizing nesting and incubation over consistent egg-laying
Buff Easter Egger Chicken: Colorful Eggs and Friendly Personalities
The Buff Easter Egger chicken is a delightful hybrid breed that is known for its vibrant egg colors and amiable disposition. These chickens are highly sought-after by poultry enthusiasts for their ability to lay a wide range of colorful eggs, which can include shades of blue, green, teal, light brown, cream, and even pinkish-purple tints. The diverse palette of their eggs adds a touch of whimsy to any egg basket or breakfast plate.
Not only are Buff Easter Eggers prolific egg layers, but they also make wonderful companions. These friendly birds are sociable and enjoy human interaction. In fact, they may even hop into your lap as you sit in your rocking chair, providing moments of joy and amusement.
On average, Buff Easter Eggers weigh around 5 pounds for roosters and 4 pounds for hens. Their manageable size makes them suitable for small backyard flocks or homesteads with limited space. These chickens are particularly well-suited for free-ranging, as they love to explore and forage for food. Their curious nature and ability to adapt to different environments make them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced chicken keepers.
To summarize, Buff Easter Egger chickens are prized for their ability to lay a spectrum of colorful eggs and their friendly personalities. With their delightful appearance and gentle demeanor, they are a charming addition to any flock or backyard.
Buff Leghorn Chicken: Egg-Laying Champions
The Buff Leghorn chicken is a breed known for its excellent egg-laying capabilities. These chickens are true champions when it comes to laying eggs, consistently producing 4-6 white eggs per week. Their remarkable egg-laying ability can last for several years without decline, making them a fantastic choice for those seeking a steady supply of fresh eggs.
While Buff Leghorns may initially be skittish around strangers, they tend to become more docile and sweet once they feel comfortable in their surroundings. This means that with a little patience and care, you can develop a strong bond with these feathered friends.
Another advantage of the Buff Leghorn breed is their self-sufficiency. They are excellent foragers and free rangers, which means they don’t require excessive amounts of feed. These chickens have a natural instinct for finding food in the form of insects, seeds, and other small edibles, making them adaptable and resourceful.
However, it’s important to note that Buff Leghorns are more susceptible to frostbite due to their large wattles and combs. If you reside in a cold region, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect them from extreme weather conditions. By providing them with adequate shelter and ensuring they have enough warmth during colder months, you can prevent potential frostbite and keep your Buff Leghorns happy and healthy.
Buff-Laced Wyandotte Chicken: A Stunning Heritage Breed
The Buff-Laced Wyandotte chicken is truly a sight to behold. With its glossy feathers and regal appearance, it is undoubtedly one of the most stunning heritage breeds out there. These chickens have a distinct round body shape and laced feathers, which add to their allure. Their bright yellow legs and feet perfectly complement their beautiful plumage.
One unique feature of the Buff-Laced Wyandotte chicken is its rose-shaped comb, which sets it apart from other breeds. This special comb structure is not only aesthetically pleasing but also less susceptible to frostbite, making it an excellent choice for colder climates. These chickens are not just pretty faces; they are also good egg layers. On average, Buff-Laced Wyandottes produce around 200 white to creamy brown eggs per year, providing a reliable source of fresh eggs.
In addition to their stunning appearance and egg-laying capabilities, Buff-Laced Wyandotte chickens have a relaxed temperament. The hens are non-broody, which means they won’t spend their time sitting on eggs rather than laying them. This makes them low-maintenance and convenient for those who prefer not to deal with broody behavior. Their calm and easygoing nature makes them a joy to have in any backyard or homestead.
Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, the Buff-Laced Wyandotte chicken is an excellent choice. Their stunning beauty, heritage status, and dependable egg production make them a popular breed among poultry enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a chicken that combines elegance and practicality, the Buff-Laced Wyandotte is the perfect choice for you.