Breed Recommendations for a newbie

[hensRfun]

I would recommend buff orpingtons or barred rocks. When I got my flock I wanted three things: docile/friendly birds, brown eggs, and cold hardy. So I started with two barred rocks for my backyard flock. They were great for a first flock. I had read that barred rocks were one of the breeds that start to lay at an early age-5 months. My barred rocks didn't disappoint me. They are very social and sweet and one started laying a week after turning of 5 months. The next spring I got two buff orpingtons to add to my flock. I think of them as the golden retriever of the chicken world. They're about the same color as my oldest golden retriever and have that same gentle disposition and LOVE to be with their people. However, they started laying much later than the barred rocks-8 months. It could have been the long cold spring that influenced that. Anyway, my buffs are very socially-interactive with people and always curious about what I'm doing. I do find that my barred rocks can be bossy to my buffs, but that could be that they are older and therefore higher in the pecking order.

I have a friend that has only buff orpingtons in her flock and they are wonderful with her young children. However, they had one of their chicks die because it was accidently handled too roughly by one of the youngest kids. Heartbreaking for the kid. So make sure you monitor young children with your chicks and flock. Teach them the proper way to handle chickens and interact with them. Don't assume they know how to be gentle. Having a family flock can be a wonderful opportunity for quality time and hours of entertainment as you watch and interact with the chickens. Plus it's just so darn exciting to go into the coop and find your own eggs for breakfast!

Good luck with your first flock. How exciting for your family.

 

[alibra]

I vote Wyandotte & Orpington. Super sweet girls...In my experience, RIR's aren't.

 

[youngchooklover]

2 words ISA Browns.
they are cheap and are very good lays.

 

[becsmenagerie]

Here are 3

Orpingtons: pros: Great dual purpose breed, Good pets. Cons: Mean to newbie (mine are, not with everybody) misc: Broody (can be good or bad, depending on your goals)

New Hampshires: pros: Fast maturing breed. Good layer and very good meat bird. Friendly. Cons: Have inherited some meanness from their ancient ancestor, the Rhode Island Red.

Australorps: pros: good meat bird, exceptional layer. Friendly to everybody, but still won't let every other chicken walk over it. cons: The longer I own it, the more I want to buy many more. 

I love my australorp as well, she is so friendly she jumps on my lap. She also looks right up into my face when I talk to her

 

[Fancychooklady]

I have a couple of rescue isa browns and they are lovely girls, but they are production hens. After 2 years, egg production slows down and in some cases stops. My old red is at least 7 years old, so while I'm happy to feed her in her retirement , most wouldn't. So I would be inclined to stick with heritage breeds. They may take a little longer to come into lay, but when they do, it will be for a longer period of time.

 

[kitmarlowescot2]

Barred rocks can be domineering and a bit too aggressive to other hens when they are enclosed. If you want another striped breed that lays brown eggs, have you considered Dominiques ? Their stripes aren't as bold and they have a more gentle personality.

 

[pickitfarm]

It all depends on what you are seeking. Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large eggs. Though there are chickens that have a reputation for being aggressive, most are dependent on how they are handled and kept. We have many of what has been mentioned and as someone said about their flock, they all have their own personalities.....which I would never have believed until we started raising them. I would recommend that you do research on the types available in your area and what would work in your climate. Some birds are better in heat or cold depending on their feathering, combs and wattles. Someone recommended heritage breeds. They are known to be more resistance to disease. I believe there is a chart on BYC somewhere that lists breeds and their qualities. You can also go to ALBC.usa.org. For quality birds, do your research on breeders. Because hatcheries do not always take care with there choice in breeding chickens, they do not always produce a standard version of the breed you buy. Best Wishes in finding what you want and have fun doing it...chickens come in so many varieties.

 

[IrishAcreFarm]

I have always loved my Black Australorps and barred rocks social and great layers. Very good with my daughter. I have two buff orpingtons right now, and one will bite me any chance she gets lol.

 

[amyandkids]

. My oppinion would be golden comets! She loves to be in the yard with us and my 4 year old can pick her up and hold her any time she wants! She has been laying eggs for bout 2 weeks now and hasn't missed 1 day, beautifull brown eggs and already had a double yolker! Sweet bird.

 

[samsr]

I

I have several breeds and love them all. Silkies cause they are just adorable , Wyandotte cause they are inquisitive , sussex cause they lay me big eggs all through winter and they are very pretty. I hand rear mine from chicks and while they all have their quirky little personalities the level of handling when they are young will dictate what type of bird you end up with.

would definately agree.