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Another lap chicken question... How would you rate these breeds?

post #1 of 8
2/11/12 at 4:05pm
Thread Starter 

So, my son has his heart set on a lap chicken and we are already at our zoning limit so I have to really be careful what I choose. I am going to get him two chicks.  Of course any chicken can break breed stereotypes but, in general, what order would you put these chickens in as far as most likely to end up as a lap chicken with gentle loving care and which is the least likely?  I just want to pick the two that are going to give me the best chances. I did another post regarding brahma and buff orpington and most think brahma is the better choice but I didn't think to ask about the cochin and barred rock.

 

Brahma

Cochin

Buff Orpington

Plymouth Rock/Barred Rock

 

Thank you!!!!! :)

 

CJ

 

 

 

 

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post #2 of 8
2/11/12 at 4:17pm

I only have the last two, and THEY are in the correct order, because I'd say an orpington would almost always make a better lap chicken than a barred rock.  Barred rocks are quite friendly, and mine will hop up to my lap or shoulder (because she's so inquisitive/friendly), but she's not a cuddler.  But my buff orp is a cuddler. 

I've read that cochins are quite cuddly as well.

Depending on the age of your son, you might consider bantam cochins??

Why are silkies (notorious lap chickens) not on your list???  Just not partial to them?

Caretaker of a lovely mixed flock including: australorp, plymouth rocks, wyandotte, d'uccles, silkies, EEs, andalusian, and a few seramas, plus a golden retriever, great dane, and three cats.
R.I.P. Bear 2010 - "The Best Dog Ever"

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Caretaker of a lovely mixed flock including: australorp, plymouth rocks, wyandotte, d'uccles, silkies, EEs, andalusian, and a few seramas, plus a golden retriever, great dane, and three cats.
R.I.P. Bear 2010 - "The Best Dog Ever"

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post #3 of 8
2/11/12 at 4:29pm

I have each of those.  My Buff Orpingtons are the lap chickens.  They are by far my favorite of them all for this.  I tell people they should be nicknamed "The Puppy Dog Chicken".  They follow me around the yard and fight to sit in my lap when I sit down.

Stephanie-Homeschool mom to one, 1 Sheltie, 3 Ragdolls, 1 EE, 1Cochin, 1 Welsummer, 1 Cuckoo Maran, 1 Brahma, 1 Red Star, 1 Barred Rock, 1 GLW.

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Stephanie-Homeschool mom to one, 1 Sheltie, 3 Ragdolls, 1 EE, 1Cochin, 1 Welsummer, 1 Cuckoo Maran, 1 Brahma, 1 Red Star, 1 Barred Rock, 1 GLW.

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post #4 of 8
2/11/12 at 4:58pm

I have all but the Cochin, and they are in the order I would put them. Brahma, Orp, Barred Rock.

2 years ago, a flat-lander, in FL, hiding in the house due to 8 months of heat and humidity every year. Now, living in the Smoky Mountains, gardening, keeping chickens, and loving life. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I used to list here the breeds of chickens I owned. There is not enough room to do that anymore. I have lots of chickens....

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2 years ago, a flat-lander, in FL, hiding in the house due to 8 months of heat and humidity every year. Now, living in the Smoky Mountains, gardening, keeping chickens, and loving life. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I used to list here the breeds of chickens I owned. There is not enough room to do that anymore. I have lots of chickens....

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post #5 of 8
2/11/12 at 8:08pm

I've had the first three, and the Brahmas are, by far, the most docile, affectionate, lap and cuddle-prone of my entire flock. The Orps and Cochins are very lap-prone, though.

 

Be careful of the Brahma roos, though. They can be big and domineering, although after my Brahma roo was rehabbed, I now have a "lap-roo."

One matronly, yet regal, Light Brahma hen, two Silver-laced Wyandotte hens, two Gold-laced Wyandotte hens, one Black Cochin hen, three Ameraucana hens, one Buff Brahma hen, four Speckled Sussex pullets, one Buff Brahma roo, and one nineteen-year old cat who's scared of all of them, especially the roo.

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One matronly, yet regal, Light Brahma hen, two Silver-laced Wyandotte hens, two Gold-laced Wyandotte hens, one Black Cochin hen, three Ameraucana hens, one Buff Brahma hen, four Speckled Sussex pullets, one Buff Brahma roo, and one nineteen-year old cat who's scared of all of them, especially the roo.

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post #6 of 8
2/11/12 at 8:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by happymom99 View Post

So, my son has his heart set on a lap chicken and we are already at our zoning limit so I have to really be careful what I choose. I am going to get him two chicks.  Of course any chicken can break breed stereotypes but, in general, what order would you put these chickens in as far as most likely to end up as a lap chicken with gentle loving care and which is the least likely?  I just want to pick the two that are going to give me the best chances. I did another post regarding brahma and buff orpington and most think brahma is the better choice but I didn't think to ask about the cochin and barred rock.

 

Brahma

Cochin

Buff Orpington

Plymouth Rock/Barred Rock

 

Thank you!!!!! :)

 

CJ

 

 

 

 


i had a brahma, she was nice but not a cuddler, our cochin roo was so calm he didnt care what you did so he would make a good lap chicken and our orp is nice and just sits down on you, so i would say Cochin and Orpington

 

99.999% of girls would die if Justin Bieber appeared at their doorstep and asked for a date. If your that 0.0001% Who's wiping blood from your fist, put this in your siggy.

 

I have a sad poem called The Waiting Dog, if you care about hearing a poem to end animal abuse, PM me

 

 

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99.999% of girls would die if Justin Bieber appeared at their doorstep and asked for a date. If your that 0.0001% Who's wiping blood from your fist, put this in your siggy.

 

I have a sad poem called The Waiting Dog, if you care about hearing a poem to end animal abuse, PM me

 

 

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post #7 of 8
2/11/12 at 9:16pm

I have a Silkie hen who lives in the house and is sitting on my lap as I type this.  I would like to echo the post which asked why you haven't included them in your list?  She even laid eggs all winter when the outdoor hens had quit.  I cuddle her while I watch television, take her on car rides with me, and many other embarassing things.  Though I have had other Silkies who weren't like this so I don't know if she's just a little "special."

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post #8 of 8
2/11/12 at 9:37pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks, everyone! I think I am Leaning toward the brahma and the orp. I already have a Cochin and the reason I wanted the barred rock was because I wanted the really light brown egg. It is more operant that my son gets his lap chicken though.

I wish I could get them all. smile.png

About the silkies... I would LOVE to have silkies. The problem is my son has his heart set on getting chicks and I can't find sexed silkie chicks, except from my pet chicken. I am considering that but I don't really want to order 5 and also, they aren't available until June through them.

Loved the story about the indoor Silkie. That is precious. I hope I am able to get myself a couple silkies soon. for the moment though, I am going to focus on finding my little guy his two chicks.

Thanks for the input! smile.png
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