So have you decided on which type of chicken yet?
Best type of chicken for kids to raise...
- Thread starter Jambruins
- Start date
Most any of the large dual purpose breeds will do. Banties are feisty and Med breeds tend to be kinda nervy.
I'd suggest Brahmas or Wyandottes, but that's is mostly because I don't fancy Silkies all that much (hint hint
).
But don't expect your birds to be docile or wimpy, just because they are said to be. Docility is often an individual thing and can be almost non-existent in certain strains, even among what are considered "calm" birds.
It all rather objective, to be honest.
I'd suggest Brahmas or Wyandottes, but that's is mostly because I don't fancy Silkies all that much (hint hint
But don't expect your birds to be docile or wimpy, just because they are said to be. Docility is often an individual thing and can be almost non-existent in certain strains, even among what are considered "calm" birds.
It all rather objective, to be honest.
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So what does this mean? We are to innundate you with silkie eggs until you convert?
My daughter is 9 and loves the silkies and speckled sussex. Both of which have been extremely tolerant of her "overtures" of friendship, caring, and play.
So what does this mean? We are to innundate you with silkie eggs until you convert?
My daughter is 9 and loves the silkies and speckled sussex. Both of which have been extremely tolerant of her "overtures" of friendship, caring, and play.
Quote:
So what does this mean? We are to inundate you with Silkie eggs until you convert?
Well, no. It means that Silkies are reputed to be good with children, although I couldn't bring myself to recommend them.
So what does this mean? We are to inundate you with Silkie eggs until you convert?
Well, no. It means that Silkies are reputed to be good with children, although I couldn't bring myself to recommend them.
Quote:
So what does this mean? We are to inundate you with Silkie eggs until you convert?
Well, no. It means that Silkies are reputed to be good with children, although I couldn't bring myself to recommend them.
ROFLMAO!
So what does this mean? We are to inundate you with Silkie eggs until you convert?
Well, no. It means that Silkies are reputed to be good with children, although I couldn't bring myself to recommend them.
ROFLMAO!
Stuffed ones. My daughter is 14 and this was our first year raising chickens. She is sooooo attached to all of them. Unfortunately for her, we had to butcher some today.
- Mar 9, 2009
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Silkies are a good way to go. They can make excellent lap chickens. My son's silkie used to come inside and eat raspberries from his hand while they watched tv together.
Another suggestion would be not a chicken at all but a couple of ducks. They'll imprint on your kids, which makes them so fun. A breed which can get along well with chickens (Pekin or Indian Runner are good in my experience) would work.
Laura
Another suggestion would be not a chicken at all but a couple of ducks. They'll imprint on your kids, which makes them so fun. A breed which can get along well with chickens (Pekin or Indian Runner are good in my experience) would work.
Laura
- Jun 15, 2008
- 4,654
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I love my japanese bantams because they are not at all "fiesty". They are so calm and peaceful. I can't say they came out all that friendly even after lots of handling though. They don't mind being handled and they follow me around but they don't want to be picked up or come running up for petting.
I have noticed a huge difference in breed. All my chicks are raised the same and there is a big difference between them. The japs are not spooky at all. My bantam EE with d'uccle in them are the friendliest and one actually does make no effort to get away when you pick her up. A cochin I had wouldn't come anywhere near me. My 3 standard EE all have little trouble being handled but will avoid being picked up. The dark layer mixes avoid me completely and run if I'm within 10' of them. The rooster of that mix has to be chased in circles and pinned down or I have to sneak up and scoop him off a roost by his legs to catch him. They are huge cowards that don't want anything to do with people despite probably being handled the most. My seramas are the definition of fiesty but rather high energy and will bounce around the pen like pin balls when I try to catch them.
I have noticed a huge difference in breed. All my chicks are raised the same and there is a big difference between them. The japs are not spooky at all. My bantam EE with d'uccle in them are the friendliest and one actually does make no effort to get away when you pick her up. A cochin I had wouldn't come anywhere near me. My 3 standard EE all have little trouble being handled but will avoid being picked up. The dark layer mixes avoid me completely and run if I'm within 10' of them. The rooster of that mix has to be chased in circles and pinned down or I have to sneak up and scoop him off a roost by his legs to catch him. They are huge cowards that don't want anything to do with people despite probably being handled the most. My seramas are the definition of fiesty but rather high energy and will bounce around the pen like pin balls when I try to catch them.
- May 17, 2009
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If you are looking for pets and hardiness I would say hands down the BO's are the best. My two are the first to climb into my lap to be held and the last to leave.They are calm and do not scramble or scratch and will often just gaze up at you in some sort of adoring fashion... think golden retriever chicken. Besides being beautiful gold they are plump and strong and would be able to handle a childs rough holding.
My 8 eight week old hens in order of tameness from most to least tame are:
2 BO
1 BR
1 EE
2 RIR
1 BSL
1 EE
I have one very loving EE and one who is tasmanian devil chicken. She is not mean but is going through a stage of not wanting to be held at all. I think it hurts her to be caught (she has tons of pin feathers) and she just would rather do her own thing. She regullary sits on my lap though... I just have to wait till she is ready.
I had a silkie growing up and though I recall her being tame, she was not as near as tame as any of these 8.
I think hatching chicks or at least getting them from a hatchery improves your chances of a tame chick as they imprint to you as their mama. Mine were almost 2 weeks old though when I got them and with just daily attention and bringing them food and fun snacks and holding them several times daily, they are all very tame.
They are all so tame it is hard to bend over to clean the pen because they like riding on my shoulder, back or head.
Good luck with your chicks and kids!
Nancy
My 8 eight week old hens in order of tameness from most to least tame are:
2 BO
1 BR
1 EE
2 RIR
1 BSL
1 EE
I have one very loving EE and one who is tasmanian devil chicken. She is not mean but is going through a stage of not wanting to be held at all. I think it hurts her to be caught (she has tons of pin feathers) and she just would rather do her own thing. She regullary sits on my lap though... I just have to wait till she is ready.
I had a silkie growing up and though I recall her being tame, she was not as near as tame as any of these 8.
I think hatching chicks or at least getting them from a hatchery improves your chances of a tame chick as they imprint to you as their mama. Mine were almost 2 weeks old though when I got them and with just daily attention and bringing them food and fun snacks and holding them several times daily, they are all very tame.
They are all so tame it is hard to bend over to clean the pen because they like riding on my shoulder, back or head.
Good luck with your chicks and kids!
Nancy
Buff Orpingtons all the way
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