When I first started with chickens. I had know idea what to do or what breed to get. We started out with Jersey Giants. They were very loud and large. After a year or so of having them, we got some random feed store chicks and we've branched out since then. After that we got some beautiful healthy Buff Orphingtons. They were perfect. I think they are the best for starters. They are about medium size, lay eggs, and are the right size for eating. What do you think?
My personal favorite breed is the Wyandotte chicken. I think that they are great for new chicken people because they are docile, very good layers, hardy in both cold and heat, and are a good size if you decide to eat them. Mine have had the best personalities of all my chickens and aren't standoffish or mean. My Wyandottes have laid around 250-270 eggs each, per year, even though they are now nearly four years old. They have survived below 0 temperatures relatively easily and have done fine in 100 degree temperatures as well. I've never eaten my Wyandottes, but they were developed as a dual purpose breed, and if you get the right line of birds they become quite large.
I personally prefer bantams despite their small eggs so my favourite for first timers would be a bantam Cochin. They're very personable and sweet. My have all survived the winters here (rarely a day above 0) with ease. They lay everyday in the summer and about every third day in the winter. I would recommend them to anyone!
Same here the bantam cochins are lovely personality and temperment wise mine did great in the cold irish winters with no heat lamp needed, the only downside is the eggs are super small and they arent as productive with laying also they seem to be a little bit more easy prey the odd time a fox might visit, i would go for the same breed that i got as my first hen super hardy and great layers rhode island red or a mix breed of them. good luck and enjoy!!!!
I think it depends somewhat on your expectations and desires. My first chickens were EE's awesome birds, totally tame, lay well and do just fine in my cold, long winters. Over the years i have *cough* expanded and have found pluses with quite a few other breeds, i think if you want to dabble or try it out the banties are nice, silkies and cochin for instance(i own both, cochin are bantams) as they lay well, do fine in winter and are easily handled and take less housing and feed.
I really love red stars. They are not much to look at but are very curious and fantastic layers. More recently I got a Barred Rock. She is quickly becoming a favorite! She haven't started laying yet but is so calm and friendly. She runs over to sit on my lap when I come in the pen. The one thing I would highly recommend to new owners is to get multiple breeds. It makes things more interesting to have a mixed flock and you can find the breed that is right for you. Good luck!
