Choosing a breed of chicken

[Blue is my chicken]

Hi,

we are looking into buying some chickens and are struggling to decide what breed would be best for us. we have owned chickens many times before but after our recent move we had to sell our chickens.

We are looking for a laying breed that is friendly and docile.

the prices are 20 per hen for all but the hybrid red which is 15 and the khaki campbell ducks are 30 each

any tips or recommendations are appreciated
Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know what a buff barred is or a lavender, do you have a link that describes them or what hatchery they come from? I don't see any bad choices based on your stated goals.

Some of those are marketing names, not breeds, but should meet your goals. Some people complain that Leghorns are not docile, yet others don't have problems with them. Same with the hybrid reds (I assume they mean production reds). To a large extent it depends on your individual chickens more than breed or type.

 

[SourRoses]

Lavender what, exactly?

I vote Ameraucana or English Orpington.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I don't know what a buff barred is or a lavender, do you have a link that describes them or what hatchery they come from? I don't see any bad choices based on your stated goals.

Some of those are marketing names, not breeds, but should meet your goals. Some people complain that Leghorns are not docile, yet others don't have problems with them. Same with the hybrid reds (I assume they mean production reds). To a large extent it depends on your individual chickens more than breed or type.

X2.... these are primarily names used to market production crosses by various hatcheries, which takes the generalities about specific breeds somewhat out of the picture, which isn't that big of a deal since they are just that, generalities, in the first place.
In addition to the considerations above, you're mention of the price and use of the term hen versus chick or pull it indicates to me that these are well started birds,if not fully mature birds, that you are intending to purchase. Are they coming from an individual who has been raising them and is now selling off excess birds or are you ordering started/pol birds through a hatchery/retailer? That as the layer of their personalities will be significantly impacted by how they have been managed up until this point. Food is a great motivator and can go a long way in helping to acclimate them to you and help them to see you as a positive in their life, something to seek out even with grown Birds.. but you will have missed some important windows in creating those lap chickens some people are looking for.. not sure if that's what you're hoping for or not.
I will say that while many will classify leghorns as being flighty and unfriendly, those that we have kept over the years have always been quite friendly, in fact the one that we currently have is the biggest 'in your pocket' chicken we have

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

Hi,

We are looking for a laying breed that is friendly and docile.

 

[ABQ chicken keeper]

Since you're looking for layers I would recommend Barred rocks, RIR's, New Hampshire's , Orpingtons or other heritage breeds. As others have said stay away from hybrids and flighty breeds.