Breed Recommendations for a newbie

[bnew17]

Im planning on getting a few hens in the future but don't really know what breed to go with. I would like a brown egg layer. Breed must have a peaceful disposition (if thats possible to know?) because i have a 7 month old little girl who will at times when she grows older be around the hens. I would also prefer to have a breed who is a good layer. Im only interested in 2-3 birds as i just need eggs for myself and the wife. I talked to a man this weekend who has RIR's and Golden Comets and he prefers the Comets. He said they are a little friendlier. Ive also read good things about Buff Orpingtons.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

If you want good eggs and a good pet - get orpingtons. They do real well around my 1 year old and 3 year old, and are dependable layers of light brown large eggs. I would get 3 - chickens are flock animals, and if you get 2 and one dies, the other one will mostly likely die of loneliness. IMHO.

 

[stellasswag]

buff orpingtons are great, as are: barred rocks, red sex-links, and welsummers.
buff orpingtons are probably the best.
I have one welsummer, two barred rocks, and one rir. the rir is REALLY skittish.
The barred rocks arent particularlay "friendly" but if i want i can put food by my feet and they will come and i can pick the up.

If i were in your position, I would get 2 orpingtons and one barred rock (i like to have variety for looks)

 

[chad3]

buff orpingtons are great, as are: barred rocks, red sex-links, and welsummers.
buff orpingtons are probably the best. 
I have one welsummer, two barred rocks, and one rir. the rir is REALLY skittish. 
The barred rocks arent particularlay "friendly" but if i want i can put food by my feet and they will come and i can pick the up.

If i were in your position, I would get 2 orpingtons and one barred rock (i like to have variety for looks)

I agree with stellasswag

 

[BantamLover21]

I would go with a Wyandotte or Red Sex Link.

 

[Wyandottes7]

If you want sweet, gentle, beautiful birds that lay a good number of brown eggs, get Wyandottes! I have seven (two large fowl, five bantam), and they are the best chickens in the world. My Wyandottes laid nearly 300 eggs their first year, and have laid quite a few this year, as well. I'd recommend Columbian Wyandottes, if you can get them; they are the best Wyandottes of all!

Easter Eggers are also nice chickens. They lay blue or green eggs, and are friendly and cute. Also, they come in many pretty colors.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Quote: Yes - variety is always nice. I can second the Orp and barred rock - My wyandottes are mean. Could just be mine.

 

[BantamLover21]

Yes - variety is always nice. I can second the Orp and barred rock - My wyandottes are mean. Could just be mine.

Mine aren't. My Columbian Wyandotte is the sweetest, most intelligent bird I have. And my Silver-Laced, while she isn't loving, isn't mean or standoffish either.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Quote: Mine are hatchery - that could be the problem. (Though my BR and BO's are too.) Like I said, they are probably just mine.

 

[BantamLover21]

Mine are hatchery - that could be the problem. (Though my BR and BO's are too.) Like I said, they are probably just mine.

Mine are from a hatchery, too. But you're probably right in it just being what yours are like.