Best type of chicken for kids to raise...

[TcherDawn]

I got 5 started pullets from our local farm store. They are "Hyline" which is a commercial breed cross between a RIR and a White Leghorn. I am new to chickens and have young boys. I didn't feel like I could raise chicks right off. I am so happy with them. They are so very sweet and are egg laying machines. The five of them lay 5 eggs a day. And they are supposed to lay through molt and through winter(which is harsh here in NH). They let my boys pick them up and sit on their lap. They are always under my feet. "People say" that started pullets won't bond with you like chicks, but these ones are just wonderful. Perhaps it was the farm who raised them. Perhaps all chickens have different personalities no matter what breed. I am new to this. I don't know, but I couldn't be happier.

 

[Quack Shack]

Another vote for cochins and the EEs are equally nice with a laid back personality. Have you considered a duck? My kids (toddler and preteen) had a crested pekin that was their backyard playmate until an unfortunate meeting with a fox. They adored him and he was always up for a game of hide and seek. Sweet memories.

 

[Katy]

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

That is interesting. Did you hatch yours? I've hatched all of mine and I think that can make a difference.

 

[Renee']

I recommend going to the Mc Murray site and typing "gentle" in the search box. That's what I did and I chose the Light Brahma's. I also have BO's and they are extrememly gentle/friendly too.

 

[bigredfeather]

I would suggest Buckeyes or the "Hybrid" reds. I have both and they are friendly. The Buckeyes are very cold hardy, lay an average number of eggs, and also make good meat birds. The hybrids lay a bunch of nice big eggs. I get an egg a day each from them most of the time. I just got more from Meyer Hatchery. They call thiers Golden Buffs. They are running a special right now. If you buy 25 or more, they are $1.12 each, which is a very good deal. A con of the hybrid is that you can't hatch any out from their eggs due to their hybrid genetics.

Goodluck!

 

[gocrow77]

I vote for Light Brahmas - they are pretty hard to get excited. Mine love my youngest much more than they do me. My rooster is always following him and looking at his hand to see if he has a treat. Mine were NOT handled, or given treat s or anything before coming here. Very gentle breed and easily "tamed". They might be a bit much once they are mature for a very young child to pick up and carry though - they are bigguns. But, sooo sweet!

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

barred rocks. they do really well in the cold, they are very calm, they are good meat birds, but lay a very large amount of eggs. also, they are very pretty birds, so you can enter them in 4H shows at the fair. your kids will love them.

 

[The Wolf Queen]

Im gonna have to go with banty cochins and BO's. I have some and they are total sweeties. Especially the roos.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

I will suggest the Cochin Bantams They are really sweet, especially the little roos!!

I have some that hop onto my hand and i am able to pet them and snuggle with them. They just look at me, so sweet!! I love

my Cochins. The litte EEs are also very sweet!!

 

[jessithy]

Standard or Bantam Cochins!!! I have many breeds of chickens and my 5 your old daughter loves the cochins. They are friendly and don't mind being held. Besides that they are just beautiful birds.

She also likes the Easter Eggers.. .Because they lay blue and green eggs.