Breed Recommendations for a newbie

[3littlechickies]

I would definitely recommend a buff orpington! I only have one and she is super sweet!! I also have a barred rock and easter egger (easter eggers lay blue/green eggs though) who are so sweet too! They are only seven weeks old so they are not laying yet. I have heard that they each lay three to four eggs a week which sounds good to me! Good luck with your future chickens!

 

[sn0wwhite]

Weighing in. I have 4. The Wyandotte is a rooster but because my black Austraulorpe is more dominant he is really sweet. The black australorpe is in charge and they all object at first to being picked up, they all love being pet after a bit. I chose breeds that should lay well and be hardy enough for a Minnesota winter.

 

[fireflyhatchery]

A buff Orpington Austrolorp mix makes a nice flock, both are friendly and great dual birds but mostly layers. All chickens are nice if handled enough so it is all about finding your match. Good luck

 

[Dani G]

I go with buff orplington or barred rocks, they are both very friendly and have great personalities with good demeanor. and the more you socialize them when they are young the better off you are. also polish chickens are good too extra sweet but not very good egg layers.

 

[Dani G]

I agree with stellasswag

I agree also

 

[TreeGirlChicken]

Silver Laced wyndyttes I have had and I love, very calm and sweet. Mine I got when they were about 6week yet they still kinda Imprinted on me and they followed me around. They are very cute!

 

[Fancychooklady]

I have slw hatching as we speak, love these birds

. Very adventurous .

 

[GimmeCake]

I understand it may be confusing to pick a breed.

If your looking for a nice chicken, just know some breeds such as RIRs are generally aggressive (especially the roosters). But
each chicken has their own personality so you never know.

As for a good layer, I'd suggest Barred Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, or Australorps. But Australorps are considered one of the best layers. If I were you I'd wouldn't go for "the best layer", as one less egg a week isn't that bad. Pick something considered a "good layer" and find one that you personally like. Also consider the egg size, that's important too.

My personal preference is the Black Australorp because they are nice large, big black birds and great layers, of nice large brown eggs. But I do happen to have plenty of room to keep them as they are large birds. Since they're large they will eat a lot, but where I live I can get plenty of fresh berries, grass, and weeds from my property so this isn't a problem

Some people prefer bantams because they require so little food, water, and space. But they do need regular feeding and watering like any other chicken. They lay small eggs. Bantams aren't a breed, rather a size of a chicken, so there are plenty to choose from. But the only place where they sell them sexed is MyPetChicken since they're so small when they hatch.

Those are just two example. No two chickens are the same. No two breeds are the same. Just pick a breed, or maybe even two or more breeds, buy your chickens, and you shouldn't be disappointed! Good luck!

 

[rmurrayslcut]

...or try Black Australorps. They're basically the Aussie version of Orpingtons, and the friendliest birds in my flock. They're less adventurous than my other chickens, but by no means shy. Good layers too. I also agree with getting at least three. You'll want more than you get, that's a guarantee.

 

[GimmeCake]

To the chickens, big flocks are fun! They love to do social activities together. If you have a rooster, that's even better because the hens are calm knowing there is a rooster looking out for them.