Best breeds

[MyRatties]

I'm totally new to chickens and I'm still learning, as much as possible before I even get the birds. Working with my landlord, it's in our contract we can have birds, on turning an old shed in the back yard into a coop. Lord knows the last time it help tools. It's still sturdy enough that it will keep the birds warm and safe. On top of care research I'm also researching breeds.

I live in north eastern Pennsylvania so a bird who can handle colder temps in winter is a must, I know no animal is 100% cold hardy. If we get any nasty storms like Stella the land lord said I can make a mini space in the basement for them to ensure extra warmth.

I also have young nieces and a nephew who come over often. So I'd like a breed that's more docile and friendly both for me and my newbieness and small ones who want to help. They won't be with the birds unsupervised of course.

My step uncle has birds, has had them, and he gets them from Meyers Hatchery. So I plan on getting them from there, though I am looking closer.

The ones I'm looking at:

Lavender Orpington
Speckled Sussex
Golden Laced Wyandotte
Light brahma
Barred Rock
Buckeye


I'm allowed max of five without a rooster. How old would you get for a first flock?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

As one of your goals is to have hand tame birds that can be handled by you and young family members I would suggest getting day-old chicks so that you are able to really socialize them from the start in order for them to be accustomed to being handled. There is a lot of good information here on BYC in threads and the Learning Center about socializing your birds.