Chicken breed what do i want

[3KillerBs]

Go ahead, pick the prettiest chickens.

Chickens getting along is more about having generous space* and appropriate facilities than about breed, though some breeds, such as Rhode Island Reds, are noted for being dominant and others, such as Cochins, are noted for being docile.

Most of the classic barnyard breeds are widely adaptable to a wide range of climates.

*The Usual Guidelines

For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09 square meters) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

6 hens

• 24 square feet in the coop. 4'x6' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber. If you can't walk into it, put the access door in the middle of the long side to make sure you can reach all areas of the coop because a stubborn chicken WILL press itself into/lay an egg in the back corner where you can't reach.
• 6 feet of roost
• 60 square feet in the run. 6'x10' or 8'x8'.
• 6 square feet of ventilation.
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

12 hens

• 48 square feet in the coop. 6'x8' is more practical than 4'x12' since a long, skinny coop like that would be difficult to work inside.
• 12 feet of roost
• 120 square feet in the run. 10'x12' or 8'x15' -- 8'x16' means fewer odd cuts than either of those. 6'x20' is possible, especially if your run is an open-topped, fenced area instead of fully-enclosed with a solid and/or wire roof but risks social problems because subordinate hens need to be able to pass the dominant hens at a respectful distance.
• 12 square feet of ventilation.
• 3 nest boxes.

Integrating new chickens takes extra space beyond the minimums. Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

 

[Folly's place]

More ideas: Speckled Sussex hens have been the most human interactive birds we've ever had, and are beautiful. French Marans, black Jersey Giants, and Easter Eggers, all good, and the different colored eggs are a bonus.
The hatchery buff Orphingtons we've had haven't been particularly friendly.
Our Cackle bantam Easter Eggers are very nice!
Mary

 

[Mrs. K]

I have had chickens for year, and what I like is a mix flock. I will tell you it is better to have chickens than not have chickens. Some you will like better than others, and many times I have gotten a particular breed thinking I will raise these... only to find, I really like a mixed flock better.

As 3 killerBee states - space makes for happy chickens, more is not always better. I do not have forever friends, now do I want my birds to live to be 8-9 years old. I like a lively, healthy flock. Birds come in and go out.

Mrs K

 

[Silkie Princess]

Hayes I had a white leghorn once very timid. She would only hop on me at her turns. I have 6 chickens now.the friendliest was a black austrolorp I had. And people say buffs but I have not found that true. The ones around the pool are my currents. I have about 4 freindly and 2 skittish ones. But the problem is they are mixed breeds here is what I am thinking but I want others options.also if you dont agree please give me a reason.
Cochin
Buff orgington
Favorelle
Plymouth rock
Austrolorp

All of those are great choices!

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Go ahead, pick the prettiest chickens.

Chickens getting along is more about having generous space* and appropriate facilities than about breed, though some breeds, such as Rhode Island Reds, are noted for being dominant and others, such as Cochins, are noted for being docile.

Most of the classic barnyard breeds are widely adaptable to a wide range of climates.

*The Usual Guidelines

For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09 square meters) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

6 hens

• 24 square feet in the coop. 4'x6' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber. If you can't walk into it, put the access door in the middle of the long side to make sure you can reach all areas of the coop because a stubborn chicken WILL press itself into/lay an egg in the back corner where you can't reach.
• 6 feet of roost
• 60 square feet in the run. 6'x10' or 8'x8'.
• 6 square feet of ventilation.
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

12 hens

• 48 square feet in the coop. 6'x8' is more practical than 4'x12' since a long, skinny coop like that would be difficult to work inside.
• 12 feet of roost
• 120 square feet in the run. 10'x12' or 8'x15' -- 8'x16' means fewer odd cuts than either of those. 6'x20' is possible, especially if your run is an open-topped, fenced area instead of fully-enclosed with a solid and/or wire roof but risks social problems because subordinate hens need to be able to pass the dominant hens at a respectful distance.
• 12 square feet of ventilation.
• 3 nest boxes.

Integrating new chickens takes extra space beyond the minimums. Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

I have a 6 by 10 coop for my 6 chickens now since I was planning add more so I think I will be ok there. And they free range.

 

[Deezchix]

Avoid Sexlink chickens like Production reds,, Cinnamon Queens, and others like Isa Brown, They have short lifespans.

They have been the friendliest in our flock. They are like human magnets with me, hubby and my kids. They also love my cat lol. We can walk around with them on our shoulder, they jump on our lap. Extremely curious. Was not aware about the shorter lifespan though