Chickens and Autism?!

Howdy! So. I am a mom that has a severely non verbal Autistic 11year old son. And we want to get chickens. Again. (I have had hens in past, but that was a few years ago.) Anyway- I am looking for recommendations for breeds that are excellent with children, and young adults. All have sensory issues, and some physically disabled as well as mentally. I am planning on looking into a actual 4 H group especially for these kids, and could use some direction?
Some guidelines:

- Prefered show stock available.

- sexed pullets if possible for kids who may live in burbs

- also, really important- breeders open to questions and guidance after initial purchase, although I will be doing as always- tons of research on breeds.

- Heritage?

So, tall order, but want to do this right. Very little activities out there for these special kids. Healthy ones anyway. Loved having and caring for chickens, ducks, and geese in past, and thought this would be a good starter project and maybe some raised garden beds for them too.....
Please- give me all and any suggestions. I appreciate it!

Calebs Chicks said:

Howdy! So. I am a mom that has a severely non verbal Autistic 11year old son. And we want to get chickens. Again. (I have had hens in past, but that was a few years ago.) Anyway- I am looking for recommendations for breeds that are excellent with children, and young adults. All have sensory issues, and some physically disabled as well as mentally. I am planning on looking into a actual 4 H group especially for these kids, and could use some direction?
Some guidelines:

- Prefered show stock available.

- sexed pullets if possible for kids who may live in burbs

- also, really important- breeders open to questions and guidance after initial purchase, although I will be doing as always- tons of research on breeds.

- Heritage?

So, tall order, but want to do this right. Very little activities out there for these special kids. Healthy ones anyway. Loved having and caring for chickens, ducks, and geese in past, and thought this would be a good starter project and maybe some raised garden beds for them too.....
Please- give me all and any suggestions. I appreciate it!

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I have serama bantams. They make excellent pets; very docile, friendly. Very small, world's smallest breeds. Mine are between 10 an 20 ounces.

Silkies would also make a good breed for handicapped children.

I haveno opinion on breeds for pets, though I think the idea of chickens for an autistic child is brilliant. As far as any questions you might have on each breed, you have already found an excellent resource here.

Well I could not find a proper Batam thread, but this group may be able to help you
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/622126/bantam-only-crazy-egg-chain

There are a ton of silkie threads
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/297632/silkie-thread

OrganicFarmWife said:

There are a ton of silkie threads
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/297632/silkie-thread

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Serama threads as well.

Ahhh I searched the wrong thing.

Calebs Chicks said:

OH! Those are lovely! I honestly do not know much about Seramas. But I will check into them. They are very appealing! Are you in Florida? No, but I know there are serama breeders in Florida.Or do you ship chicks? No, not yet. Thank you for your reply!!

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Serama are quite different than other breeds. Almost to the point of being a separate specie.