Best breeds for newbies?

[SarahBee]

Hello! I'm brand new to the hobby and I'm in the "research phase" right now... I want do do this whole chicken thing right and know exactly what I'm getting into! I would like to get 6 baby chicks and raise them as family pets and egg layers. I have two young children so I want to make sure to pick breeds that are typically sociable and friendly. I think I'd like to get 3 breeds, 2 of each kind, just for some fun and variety. I understand Buff Orpingtons are very friendly and good egg producers, so I think I'll definitely get 2 of those.

What are some other breeds that are good as family pets? Thanks everyone, I'm learning so much from you all already!!!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Buff orpingtons are a great choice for what you want. I would say (this is just my opinion) to stay away from the production breeds because (from my limited experience) they seem more flighty and overall not as cuddly as other breeds. Most of them are very reliable egg layers though.

I would reccomend a brahma of some sort too. I have two dark brahmas and they will literally sit on your lap for hours! They are great with kids. My hen weighs about 8lbs, and averages about 4 or 5 light brown eggs a week.

Just my two cents worth.

Good luck!

 

[SarahBee]

Thank you so much! Personality is definitely more important than egg production, as long as we get SOME eggs I'd be thrilled

 

[smchickfarm]

I agree on the orpingtons!!!!! Great birds!!!!

 

[Nicole01]

My RIR, EE's, Brahma's and d'uccle are my kids favorite. My Cochin is docile too.

 

[chickers]

I agree on the Brahmas. We have a light Brahma and she's a wonderful--very sweet and personable.

 

[hmmcc123]

We have a mixed flock and also LOVE our 2 Buff Orpington girls. I was thinking, just to throw it out there in case you hadn't thought of it...there are other colors of Orpingtons available too! Lavender, black, chocolate, white and I am sure others. : )

Also, I too agree with Sunny on the Brahmas, I heard they are very sweet.

 

[bairo]

Orps, cochins, & delawares from my experience,

Be prepared though for the hens to go broody. For some reason most of the friendly sociable breeds are also the broody ones

 

[Gresh]

Try Old English Game bantams. They are calm and sociable around people and I have heard that they are a popular breed for children to raise and exhibit. They are one of the most popular breeds at shows and, if you get good stock, are stunningly beautiful when full-grown. The hens go broody frequently and are good egg-producers. However, it takes 2-3 bantam eggs to equal 1 standard egg.

Hatchery OEG's tend to not be anything close to the standard, though occasionally a few nice birds may turn out if the hatchery doesn't mix any other breeds in. I have seen some pics of Ideal Poultry's OEG's, and occasionally I see a nice-looking male, but still not close to the show-lines. If you want the purest and the best, go to private breeders. If you just want something that is small and entertaining with no regards to standards, Ideal Poultry is a good place to try.

God bless,
~Gresh~

 

[Gresh]

Oh, I forgot,