If you are only interested in egg production then you may not want to purchase chicks that have broody tendencies. Broody hens can be troublesome, so if you’re not looking for a mother hen, here are the breeds you may want to avoid.
Buff Rocks
Cochins
Orpingtons
Dark Cornish
Sussex
Cuckoo Marans
Plymouth Rock
Brahmas
Silkies
Cochin Bantams
Cornish Bantams
Serama
The Orpington is one of my favorite breeds. They are very sweet, friendly, and seldom bullies towards the other members of the flock. However, living in the desert where the temperatures reach well over 110 they have proven their tolerance for heat to be quite low. Especially considering they can be broody and won’t leave the coop where temperatures can be life-threatening. Every situation is different and they may be fine as free-range chickens with plenty of shade and water.
Details of the Buff Orpington:
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: 7-8 pounds
Purpose: Dual (meat or egg production)
Recognized Varieties: Buff, Black, Blue, White, (buff is most common.)
Eggs:
Color: Brown
Size: Large
Frequency: 3-4 per week
Breed Features:
Feathered Legs: No
Crested: No
Comb Type: Single Comb
Number of Toes: 4
Character & Traits:
Accepts confinement well
Cold Hardy
Heat tolerant to 100 degrees
Docile, friendly
Broody / Setter
Good layers through the winter
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 