Chickens for the backyard

[CrystalMS]

Hi! We are planning on getting some chickens, we know ziltch about breeds. Wondering if you could help me narrow down what would be the best for the backyard, are fairly calm with children and are good egg layers? We were interested in a smaller bird also. Any input would be appreciated ,thanks!

 

[shaggy]

from what i have read - most egg layers are smaller in size


do you care what color the eggs are?

the #1 egg layers are

white eggs: Leghorn
brown eggs: Rhode Island Red


dual purpose will usually be slightly larger than the egg layers and meat birds will be larger than the rest


http://www.cacklehatchery.com/page2.html

... hope that helps a little

--------------------------------------- edit -----------

here is a discussion on family friendly chickens

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=179613

 

[Imp]

from Washington

Glad you're here & you'll get lots of advice. Orpingtons and Ausralorps are popular breeds.

Imp

 

[NJbirdlover]

www.mypetchicken.com

go to this site, they have a breed selector that you can use.
I have children so I too wanted gentle, calm birds. I chose:
Buff Orpingtons
Barred Rocks
Black Austrolorps
Americauna's (Easter Eggers)
Speckled Sussex

Also have Rhode Island Reds that I got for future egg production but so far they are just as sweet as the others.

Hope this helped

 

[#1California Chick]

Welcome to BYC!!

Go to this website and bookmark it!! :http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

It will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about chicken breeds: how big they get, how "good" an egg layer, how big the eggs, calm vs aggressive, etc.

Good Luck!!

Cindy

 

[BRYAN662]

BARRED ROCKS AND RIR

 

[Polish Chickens]

Crested Polish are a calm bird as their beautiful crest feathers restricts their vision which makes them great pets and they're good egg layers

 

[CrazyPets16]

No doubt about it! Buff Orpingtons! They are docile, love to be petted, great layers, and are hardy!

 

[aidenbaby]

I agree with going to mypetchicken.com. I used it to help me select which ones would work best for me. Had I listened to it like a good girl I would not have my super skittish Andalusian. I learned and next time i know better than to get a breed that is not known for being docile. If anyone has that perfect backyard andy, I'm sorry. She's just so ready to haul donkey everytime I open the coop or run door. I am not giving up on her though.

 

[kristenm1975]

"haul donkey"

Good description. Nice use of child-friendly wording.