Best first time chicken breed

[Nellydog]

I want eggs for pets but my mom says she not just going to have them for pets so they need to produce a good amount of eggs but not a ton like not a Rhode island red because they produce and lay a lot and then that could lead to health problems and big chickens are fine but I don't prefer them but I'm unsure of any medium chickens that produce a good amount of eggs I also live in northern illinois to winter and heat hardy birds are important and just an over all hardy chicken that aren't prone to getting diseases easily and I won't be able to let them free range all the time maybe once or twice a week so they need to take condiment well, please suggest I really want to learn about breeds and pick one Thanks!

 

[redranger209]

Hmm. I’d suggest a hybrid, barnyard mixes typically fit those standards bc the original birds where selected for those qualities. I can’t think of many that are cold and heat resistant, maybe turkens? Those are the naked neck ones.

 

[RedDirtRambler]

If you go look at mypetchicken.com (if you haven't already), they have - among other things - a list of the friendliest breeds, which are good for first timers, as well as an interactive tool to help you choose. There are tons of other resources online, too, for helping you choose. But there are numerous learned folks right here, too, who can help you. Sadly, I'm just not one of them! (I'm working up to getting some, too!) GOOD LUCK! It's cool that you're interested.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Nelly look toward barred rock and easter eggers, put some color in your eggs that way

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I want eggs for pets but my mom says she not just going to have them for pets so they need to produce a good amount of eggs but not a ton like not a Rhode island red..!

So I am completely biased, and still new to the breed... but I think you want Salmon Faverolles

They are sweet and pet like, lay in the good to average level, they are medium sized, and are supposed to lay in the winter, although I suspect they slow down a bit.

They are cold tolerant and take heat okay (but not great).... northern Illinois should be fine. And they do take confinement well also.

Do understand that if you are buying Salmon Faverolles from a hatchery... there is a lot of difference between some hatcheries and others in this breed as far as colors... and if you compare hatcheries stock to breeders of exhibition stock in this breed, there is a difference too.

But the favs want to be pets, and are quite the goofs so their fun to have, so that is my recommendation to you, but there are other breeds that would work for what you describe as your situation.

How many birds are you planning to keep?
Just hens? Or a rooster too?

 

[LilJoe]

I suggest Wyandottes. They lay pretty well and lay good throughout the summer and winter. They are also a fairly friendly breed.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would stay away from feather footed birds (snow and mud in nest boxes, need I say more?) Small combed birds do great in cold weather. I'd suggest a combination of Dominique and Easter Egger. These 2 breeds "play well together". Check out Henderson's Chicken breeds chart.

 

[Zwillingsmama]

I second barred rock. They are sweet and good natured and do a decent job egg laying even when older. As for Easter eggers they are a hit and miss. Mine will not come anywhere near me and I had her since she hatched while all my others I can pick up and pet and they come when I call.