I do my fair bit of research in different chicken breeds. Now I want to help new chicken owners to know what are the best breeds for you and why they are good for you.
hens for laying and affection purposes:
Barred Rocks:
Barred Rocks being one of the oldest chicken breeds is personally one of my favorites. But I wont go into the history of barred rocks, just why they should be a part of your flock family.
1: They are friendly and docile birds. I love mine especially, not skittish and very sweet. they come when I call and jump on my lap occasionally.
2: They are also good if you have a family, they wont attack or been mean and are good around other people.
3: They love foraging, especially mine!
4: They can also be heavy layers, I don't track mine but I read somewhere that they lay four a week. and like I said I don't track, all I know is that we get about 2 dozen a day from all my chickens together. ugg
But all together this breed is fun to have, I love the cute little sounds they make and I highly recommend this bird.
Buff Orpingtons:
Don't even get me started on buffs! these amazing lovable birds are truly awesome.
1: They are kind birds, and awesome mommas baby chicks, They get feisty if you get near their chicks, they are very protecting.
2: They are sweet birds, they're good with people and loving.
3: They are good layers and only one of mine ever got broody but I heard their good if you want to hatch babies.
overall I love buffs, they are awesome for getting when you are just starting.
Black Australorp:
Well these friendly chickens are very good with chicks.
1: They are super broody, we let ours hatch some eggs and they are amazing mommas. They are always finding food for their chicks and are protective of them but knew us enough to let us pet them.
2: Heavy egg layers they are! we get tons of eggs from them.
they are nice but not as nice as buffs or barred rocks, depends on how much time you spend with them.
I hove fun with them, generally watching them raise chicks! such good hens.
Easter Egger aka Ameraucana
1: Good and colorful egg layers, hence the name Easter Egger. They lay so many different egg colors from green to blue and all sorts of different shades.
2: They aren't really made to be pets, I have one I spent tons of time with but is still skittish.
3: I know this isn't really a plus but don't they have to cutest fluffy cheeks!
that's it on my list for now! these were good egg layers and pet chickens! I will do more soon.