Beginner

[JudyPotter]

Would like recommendations for suitable breeds for small backyard chicken coop. Live in Southern Pennsylvania and looking for a few friendly, easy, docile chickens to lay eggs.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Welcome in, Judy!
Casting my vote for Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps. They are bigger birds and need the appropriate coop space (at least 12-inches of roost space and a general 4 square-feet per bird), but they are hardy, friendly, lay like champions, and are easy to find locally in spring.

 

[fldiver97]

Nice to have you here!

 

[JudyPotter]

Welcome in, Judy!
Casting my vote for Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps. They are bigger birds and need the appropriate coop space (at least 12-inches of roost space and a general 4 square-feet per bird), but they are hardy, friendly, lay like champions, and are easy to find locally in spring.

Can you recommend a breeder somewhat close to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to purchase the birds in the spring? don't mind making a long drive if necessary to get good chicks

 

[JudyPotter]

Can you recommend a breeder somewhat close to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to purchase the birds in the spring? don't mind making a long drive if necessary to get good chicks

 

[Bsmac]

Hello! Welcome to BYC! Good luck with your future flock!

 

[Snowbelt]

Welcome to BYC! I can vouch for both Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps as docile and good layers. My Buffs are very hardy and have started laying again after taking a couple of months off for winter. They will be six years old in March.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. I will point you to find your state thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pennsylvania-unite.248345/page-8252

 

[AntiqueB]

Welcome!

I also say Orpingtons, and also Easter Eggers. My Orpington was always broody, but my EEs never were. They're also friendly, and lay regularly.

Unless you want high-quality (in terms of breed standards) birds, you can order from a hatchery, too. Some have low minimum orders, and a wide variety of breeds. All of my chickens have been hatchery, except the one I hatched myself. They are varying degrees of friendly, but none run from me.

 

[ChurchGirl]

Welcome! My favorite breed is Americana, they are very hearty, smart chickens and do well in many different types of weather and have pretty consistent laying depending on the chicken.