Best breeds for children

[off-grid hen]

I agree with everyone's comments on the different breeds, Australorps and Orpingtons, etc. But I think it's worth mentioning that if your kids are screaming and running really fast around the birds, it won't matter much what breeds they are. If you train your kids to be calm around them, the chickens will be more likely to be calm around them. It's like any other animal in that respect. Except for adolescent cockerels, but they're a different story altogether. Enjoy the chicks, it's going to be great watching the kids with them.

 

[Eggcessive]

Mille fleur d'uccles are the sweetest, cutest, most quiet breed I have. They are bantams and like to be picked up and petted, and lay a good sized egg for a small chicken. Most people say that black australorp and speccled sussex are calm and among the best layers(I'm getting some this spring.) My wyandottes are mean, my buff orps are calm, but not friendly, and the barred rocks are sweet, layed back and good layers. EE's can be anything since they are mutts, and mine are not friendly.

 

[magnolia-1971]

How about Faverolles. I have no experience with them, but from what I've read they are what you are looking for. I am getting 3 of them this Spring and I can't wait!

 

[CSWolffe]

We had a Gold Comet, a RIR, a SL Wyandotte, and an Australorp. The Wyandotte is standofish, which i understand is a trait of the breed. The other three are all very friendly, especially with my daughters, and come running every time we enter the yard, begging for treats. The RIR is the most friendly, she follow me around and hops up into my lap when I sit down. We had to give away the Gold Comet for aggression issues, she was eating the sweet little RIR alive.
My point is that you will get all kinds of different experiences from all kinds of people with all kinds of different breeds. Most of the chicks you find at tractor/farm supply stores are the ones popular with back yarders, and they are popular for a reason. Any of those breeds could be wonderful little pets, especially if you hand raise them.
Welcome and good luck!

 

[andromeda57]

We have a small farm co-op with many different breeds of chickens, and I'd have to say our Buff Orpingtons are the friendliest and most gentle by far out of the breeds you mentioned. Very sweet and easy to hold and always come running up to me like puppies when I'm around. Second choice: Barred Rocks, which would be similar to the Black Sex Links you mentioned. In my opinion, RIR are a no-go; we've had plenty (and I've always taken the time to handle and tame them) and they've always been antisocial with humans and the other hens, flighty and nearly impossible to pick up or hold when they've gotten older. Cochins (bantam or regular size) are also a great choice for children: super calm, quiet, gentle, easy to pick up and carry and soft to the touch. Not great egg layers, but good pets for a backyard setting with children. I've heard good things about the disposition of Silkies as well even though vwe've never had any. Good luck!

 

[mightymax]

If I were going to purchase some chicks for my little kids, I would most definitely, without a doubt, purchase silkies !!! In my experience with silkies (over 20+ with 1/3 being roos), I
can honestly say that I've only had one mean one out of the entire bunch. They have lovely feeling feathers, come in several colors, some have beards and some do not, they are bantams so they remain small (easier for little hands to hold), they have feathered legs and feet, five toes and actually make wonderful house pets! I've occasionally brought mine in during the coldest nights of winter. Since their feathers are different than your ordinary chickens, they don't tolerate the extreme cold real well. That being said, I keep mine outside all winter unless the temp. falls into the teen's and they've always made it through! I'm just sure to keep them out of the wind and rain and they do fine. Good Luck!!!

 

[HawaiiCoyote]

Our local feed store will be getting their first shipment of chicks on March 9th. We are limited to 4 hens due to local ordinances and unfortunately a very nosey and persnickety neighbor . Our children are 4 years old and 19 months old. We are looking for hens that will be good layers, relatively quiet, and very docile so the kids can be involved. Attractive plumage would be a plus, but not necessarily a deal breaker. Anyways, the breeds that will be in the shipment are: Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Delaware, Plymouth Barred Rock, RIR, Speckled Sussex, Gold Laced Wyandotte and Silver Laced Wyandotte. What would be your top 4 choices out of these breeds?

Astralorp, Easter egger, Ameraucanas and any kind of Orpington are the way to go!
Black star sex link are super cuddlers too! I would definitely stay away from the Rhode Island Reds as others suggest, my dad got snapped in the face by a RIR rooster when he was a toddler so definitely not a kid friendly breed. Barred rocks are mean to other hens in my experience but they seem to be okay with people, just not a very cuddly bird. Silkies love to be loved, but if you are looking for docile birds that also lay a good amount of eggs silkies are known for laying small eggs and it can be difficult for them to see and groom themselves so I would consider your environment if you are planning on getting silkies. Cochins are the fluffiest things ever Hope this helps!

 

[human1]

Astralorp, Easter egger, Ameraucanas and any kind of Orpington are the way to go!
Black star sex link are super cuddlers too! I would definitely stay away from the Rhode Island Reds as others suggest, my dad got snapped in the face by a RIR rooster when he was a toddler so definitely not a kid friendly breed. Barred rocks are mean to other hens in my experience but they seem to be okay with people, just not a very cuddly bird. Hope this helps!

this thread is pretty old

 

[Mamatomany123]

I would stay away from the RIR and EE. RIRs are a bit bossy. My EE is a very loud complainer. We've named her karen and she wants to take to my boss multiple times a day.

 

[Jenwisp]

Our gold laced wyandotte lets our 7 year old pick her up. she is the biggest chicken we have right now, with cochins on the way in May.

That said.. she doesn't like any of us to take eggs out from under her when she is about to lay. She is very quick to peck hands that go near her underside.

Just saw the mention about how old the thread is >< lol