Brand New to Chickens – Looking for Beginner Tips!

[Silver Eagle]

What’s the best beginner-friendly chicken breed for a small backyard flock?

 

[AnneGirlGG]

I'm new to chickens as well. I got my first chicks in July. I got bantams, and I love them. They're calm and friendly. I've got several different bantam breeds.

But, if you're looking for high egg production, bantams aren't likely to be your preference. Their eggs are small and they don't lay as often.

I've also got Blue (BBS) Orpingtons. They're only 2 weeks old, so I don't know their temperament really. But I've read that Orpingtons are good birds for beginners.

You're in the right place though, and you'll have plenty of suggestions soon! Welcome, and good luck!

 

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

Some questions is, how small is a small flock to you? Are you expecting eggs, meat, or both? Are you leaning towards pets or animals that are more predator aware?

I started my flock this year, but did my research for some months and got the coop built before I committed to bringing some chicks home. Getting the chickens taught me a lot more about them than just the books from the library. This site, too is one of the best resources.

I wanted some companions, and I am especially fond of fluffy butts. I initially wanted a barred rock small flock, I was thinking 5-6, but of course it didn't stay just barred rocks. I have 9 pullets, 7 of which are laying now. What sold barred rocks for me was the promise of nice, sociable birds that would be fine around kids, and the bonus of many eggs. I have a small family, and we cannot consume the eggs at the rate they lay, so we sell a majority of the eggs and eat them when we want.

The promise of them being friendly and sociable isn't exactly accurate, but when descriptions say they can be a bit mean, they definitely can be mean.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum! Glad you joined!

What’s the best beginner-friendly chicken breed for a small backyard flock?

Why do you want chickens: eggs, meat, eye candy, pets, bug patrol, to show, to breed, or something else? Will they be closely confined or free to roam? What is your climate, especially how cold can it get? What country are you in so we might have an idea about what breeds may be available? Do you want hens to go broody and raise chicks or would you not like that?

There are a huge number of options out there. Which ones might suit you best will depend on a lot of things. Many of us can tell you what we prefer but your situation may be totally different.

 

[Penpal]

Orpingtons are large, winter hardy, very calm and gentle. They have a good egg laying reputation, laying longer than other breeds (fall into winter). They lay medium sized eggs, if that matters to you. They will forage.

I have also had Brahma chickens. They are very large winter hardy, calm and gentle. They lay medium sized eggs. They will forage.

I am sure you would like other breeds, too, but these two are very newbie friendly. Won't give you much trouble. It will take a little longer for them to start laying because of the time it takes for them to reach maturity.