anyone have New Hampshire Red chickens?

[Laura05]

we were going to get the rhode island reds but our local feed store sold the ones they have and have an order set for next monday for New Hampshire Reds.

What I am looking for answers on is are New Hampshire Reds pretty good layers? We dont eat an extreme amount of eggs so if they are fair layers that would probably be ok. Mostly they will be pets! LOL

and how hardy are they in colder climates? Maybe there are some Canadians here with some???

[Shineillusion]

NH reds are tough, hardy chickens used primarily for meat, but are fair layers. They also tend to be aggressive, and the hens can be broody, so wear long pants when you're gathering the eggs.

Also, be sure you specify you want pullets when you order your chicks, or you're apt to get a large percentage, if not all cockerles. Which grow up to be roosters, and won't lay eggs at all, LOL. We made that mistake once.

[Laura05]

yikes.... those sound kinda scary! is there any chickens that are hardy but also friendly? and that lay at least fair

[Shineillusion]

Barred Plymouth Rocks are a good, steady chicken that aren't bothered by cold. They're good layers, and lay brown eggs.

Brown or Black leghorns are also good, hardy chickens. The browns are very pretty, lay well; their eggs are white. Black leghorns are noted for being very friendly. They don't lay quite as well as browns, but well enough for small poultry producers or the family farm type flock. Hens will typically produce 230-250 eggs a year. Leghorns are a bit smaller than some of the other breeds, but not as small as bantams.