Best type of chicken for kids to raise...

[Jambruins]

Next year we are going to get a few chickens. My kids will be 1 and 5 and I want them to be able to enjoy the chickens too. What is the best kind to get that will get along with my kids and also produce a decent amount of eggs. I live in northern NY so they need to be able to handle cold winters. Thanks.

 

[chickenbottom]

ide say probly a barred rocks or black australorps or buff orpingtons

 

[Bec]

I know the eggs are small and probably not a whole lot of them, but my bantam cochins are so sweet! I plan on getting more int he future for my kids to show at the local shows!

This is my neighbor who comes up just to play with the bantams!

My little barred cochin bantam

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Buff Orps lay pretty well, and are very friendly.

 

[Bec]

I have buff orps too, they are very nice!

 

[Katy]

All of my chickens are pretty friendly, but the most friendly ones are my Speckled Sussex. They are constantly underfoot.

 

[TXmom]

My vote is for Buff Orpington if you want one breed

They are so big and fluffy and pretty. One of my BO's is super nice and friendly, and the other one doesn't really want to be bothered.

We have several different breeds, and my kids and I really enjoy having a variety of birds and eggs that are different colors and sizes.

 

[BellLisamo]

Seramas are soooooooooo calm and so sweet

 

[TexasVet]

Quote:
That's funny, because my Sussex aren't friendly at all! They're not mean, just not friendly. The Tophats are fun to look at, but they're flighty. Bantams are friendly, sociable birds, but may be too fragile for younger children. I vote for cochins. "Buffy," our buff cochin, will follows us around and talks. If you say something to her, she responds with a series of soft clucks. You'd swear she knows what you're saying! She's pretty cool with being held too, tolerates the heat, and lays great eggs.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Grey Bird Farm]

My kids are 5,4,2,1 and we just got chickens. I'm finding that the production breeds are quite high strung but our Welsummer and our Australorp are the clear winners for kid friendly personalities and easy going birds.

I don't have any experience with BOs though. Good luck.. We have made sure to handle the chicks extensively so make sure they're good with people. They come when called and you can just reach down and get them with no flapping which is easy for kids.
Good Luck!

It's been a GREAT experience for our family. My kids are in heaven.