Best chicken breed for a six year old boy.

[Miss Sue]

When my son was seven, he easily handled our Barred Rocks. He used to sit in the run and play with them when they were little. (We've never done 4H, but I bet he'd love it.)

Susan

 

[Betsy]

Dominiques would be my choice. Mine are some of the friendliest, gentlest birds I've ever had and they lay well, too. Dominques originated in America and nearly became extinct ( still aren't too common now) so your son would have plenty of material to make a special 4-H poster of his birds if he wanted to.

 

[arlee453]

I'd vote for either standard or bantum dominques or orpington.

Personally, the game bantums are really cool chickens, but I just couldn't do the 'dubbing' required to show them. (Dubbing means you trim off the comb - like docking tails and/or ears in dog breeds like dobermans or boxers)

Dominiques or orpingtons would just have to be worked with to get used to being handled and cleaned up prior to the show.

Silkies are great but they would also require more grooming.

A couple or 3 standard buff orp girls would be a great addition to your backyard. They are quiet if you don't have a rooster, they are pretty and known for being docile and sweet, and they also lay eggs pretty consistently.

If you get them and like them you can always expand later to the more exotic or unusual breeds.

Just my 5c worth....

 

[SloCrevs]

I've actually found that bantam cochins have the best disposition. I have a 4yo bro and he's claimed my 3 past cochins as his own, and now has a blue cochin pullet and a buff brahma pullet as his own. He puts them under his arms and carries them around.

 

[tazcat70]

I have a 6 year old daughter and she will hold and love on any of them she can catch! Her favorite, the one that is hers is a Black Breasted Red Old English Game Hen. I think that you should let him choose which one he wants and then just monitor the situation. I believe that there are more flighty breed but that with love and a gentle touch that whatever breed he chooses will be fine.

I personally would not get a breed that you have to dub. (cut off wattles and comb) When we were at a show my kids found a bird that was bleeding slightly from it's comb area and they had a fit! Wanted me to take it out of it's cage and doctor it.

Hope this helps,

Tonya

 

[tiki244]

You only have to dub after a year old and you could just show pullets/hens - one thing I like about modern games is they are not so shy which can be a big plus when working with a chicken. The boys are a bit noisy, they will crow a lot in order to get attention from meor/and other reasons. And they like to range. They will come right up to the fence and say hi in the morning no hiding in the corners. one talks to me until I pick her up and pet her. All the other breeds are good choices--I just like mgbantams

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

All of our chickens are nice. LOL! I think almost any creature you put a lot of time, energy, and love into will be fairly tame (that said, I have three americxsilkies who would be happy if they never see me again.. even though I am the treat bringer! ARG!)

My vote goes for bantam cochins, also. What super nice, cuddly chickens they are!! fluffy and cute! They are sweet and calm. Start with day olds, that way you can hold them and talk to them a lot (I think this is the prob with my mutts listed above.. they spent their first 3 weeks completely free ranged with Mom (as in.. no human interaction whatsoever).

That said, my ds (6) has his own Barred Rock, who is the most outgoing and friendly in my big girl flock (he held her all the time as a chick).

Meghan