Best Breeds with Children

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tiffmw10

tiffmw10

Songster
6 Years
Mar 22, 2014
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Indiana
I'm new to this, so I'm sorry if this question has been posted already.

I have a 20 month old daughter and I'd like her involved with our Chickens. Are their any breeds more friendlier than others and better for kids?
 
Hi! I have kids myself , which is the reason that I'm attempting to hatch a couple of Australorps. I've been told they're very sweet, gentle, big birds. Plus, they lay plenty of large eggs year round. My Wyandottes are also quite non-agressive and "good" with kids, but they're a bit more shy (and they hardly lay any eggs at all).
I heard Orpingtons are nice too, but that's hearsay, I have no experience with them myself.
 
tiffmw10 said:
I'm new to this, so I'm sorry if this question has been posted already.

I have a 20 month old daughter and I'd like her involved with our Chickens. Are their any breeds more friendlier than others and better for kids?
Click to expand...
That's a hard one to answer. i'm new to this myself but I've learned so much on this site! Much depends on early socialization of the chicks from the beginning, and up at the top of the page there's a tab, The Learning Center, which has fantastic information. Click on that and then on the icon with the chicks on it. Then you have to understand that although generalizations can be made as far as breed temperament, there can always be a pickle in the barrel - the one who didn't read the book and know that she's supposed to be the ideal breed for kids! And a lot also depends on how well supervised your little one is around the chicks - our little ones don't mean to hurt the cute little critters but sometimes an unexpected episode of wing-flapping when a child is holding a chick results in them accidentally squeezing to hard or dropping the chick - it's not cruelty, it's just a natural reaction to the unexpected movement. In those tabs above is also a section with descriptions and reviews on different breeds. That can also be helpful.

I have Buff Orpingons and so far they seem to be pretty good - not aggressive, curious and although I've startled them accidentally a few times they seem to forgive me. The grandkids (both 8) helped us research what kind of chickens to get, and they fell in love with Easter Eggers because of the puffy faces on the chicks we saw and the fact that they lay green or blue eggs. We've had the chicks for over a month now, and I have to agree that they sure chose a variety that's easy to love! I also have a 2 1/2 year old granddaughter with Spina Bifida, so temperament in the chickens I keep is critical.

You can talk to a 100 people and get a hundred different ideas on the best breed or variety to keep around with children. Good luck, and have fun!
 
I am also new to this chicken thing... Only six weeks along. So far our Black Austrolorp is the most gentle of the flock - She just stays still and waits to be handled. She seems to understand foraging better than the rest. She will practically climb into an offered jar of food, tilted her way, to have it all to herself. She also seems to enjoy being tickled under her wings. What I mean to say is... She is not timid, nor is she bossy or aggressive.

Sweet, gentle big bird is a good description!
 
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Aside from being child-friendly, what other characteristics are important to you? For example, is egg production a primary consideration or not really a factor? Knowing what other characteristics you are wanting will play into which of the friendly breeds would be a good match for you overall.
Cochins are SUPER sweet/people oriented birds, ime. Silkies are another "pet" minded chicken and they have the added benefit of having that unique look to them that makes then a hit with kids. Neither of these are high on the production list for most people, though, so if you are looking for reliable volume egg production then you would want to look to Astralorps or Orpingtons.
Of course generalities are just that - and you can pick the "sweetest breed ever" and get a booger of a chicken - or find a sweatheart/puppy-dog in a breed that most people will tell you are the "meanest birds ever".
 
Silkies are by far the most docile and friendly breed. They are great with children. In fact look up the silkie breed and most sites will recommend silkies for children. I have silkies myself and they are so friendly and docile. They sit on my lap and purr when happy. They are by far the best breed for children ! Do some reasearch on them and you will see. Also kids just love how fluffy they are. Look at my avatar, that is a silkie. Feathers look like fur! And their little feet are feathered too. They are adorable! You won't regret getting silkies!
 
We definitely want egg layers, but no fryers.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. This site is really amazing!
 
Silkies are good layers but their eggs are quite small so if your concerned about eggs then you will likely need a different breed. Best of luck! You might consider getting a couple silkies anyway just for your child. They love to cuddle and are extremely friendly. Here is a picture of one of my silkies. Kids usually love them.
400
 
Are silkies winter hardy? My chickens are kept in an unheated coop through harsh New England winters.

I have 4 children- ranging from 11 down to 2. I have been keeping chickens for 5 years. My kids LOVE Easter eggers.

We just got a new batch of chicks and the brahma chick is the fluffiest and doesn't seem to mind being cuddled- but it is only 9 days old...

I have 2 wyandottes- they are also calm and gentle, and mine are very good layers.

I have 1 RIR. I will not get one ever again. She is bossy. mean to everyone but my husband. She is a good layer, but I am thinking or rehoming her because I don't like getting pecked.

I have a campine- used to have 2. Flighty, obnoxious little birds. Always flying out of the coop run, hate to be handled, and not good layers.

I had a Black Australorp- unfortunately we lost her in a fox attack. She was very sweet and a great layer. I would definitely reccomend
 
I'd love to know if Silkies are Winter hardy as well. We're in the Midwest and this winter has been heartless. Thank you so much for your reply, it's so helpful in my decision.
 

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