Choosing Breeds!

[novastar]

I used to have some Rhode Island reds and they were great birds as well. Good layers, friendly disposition

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I’m getting 2 Araucana pullets this spring for blue eggs and because I love the breed. I’ll report on disposition once I get them.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I’m also getting 2 Ameraucana pullets on March 7th so I’ll report on their disposition as well. I’ll give them a week to settle in and get used to me.

 

[Amer]

I’m also getting 2 Ameraucana pullets on March 7th so I’ll report on their disposition as well. I’ll give them a week to settle in and get used to me.

My Ameraucanas are skittish. Cute but skittish. I would pick EEs over them if you want personality. Our 4 year old ones that we sent to another farm that haven't been handled in years just let you pick them up. Not really sure why.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

My Ameraucanas are skittish. Cute but skittish. I would pick EEs over them if you want personality. Our 4 year old ones that we sent to another farm that haven't been handled in years just let you pick them up. Not really sure why.

I’m getting them because I want to be guaranteed blue eggs and for their looks.

 

[Amer]

I’m getting them because I want to be guaranteed blue eggs and for their looks.

Nice. I was just saying the disposition of my birds.

 

[Then I Will]

Sumatra mom gonna jump in here-- if you want a colorful free-range flock of mixed breeds - don't hesitate to throw a few Sumatra in there. They're FULL of personality, can be very tame, And you'll LOVE their green sheen.

Also, The Salmon Favarolles hens are sweet and poofy. If you are partial to face muffs and beards like I am-- and want a bird that looks like melted marshmallow in a bubbly Cappuccino-- Salmon favarolles all the way.

Everyone cries Orphintons when they want a docile bird-- but who hasn't seen an Orphington?! Don't forget those endangered and threatened breeds!

 

[K813ZRA]

I have a few breeds at the moment and am going to expand even further this season but I will answer for what I have now. Of all of my birds my Orpingtons are the most people friendly. I can pick them up and pet them. They will hop on my lap and eat from my hand too. Well, most of them anyway.

However, having said that I can also say that my barred rock (I only have one) is a very docile bird. She likes being around people and she is not bossy with other chickens. However, she does not like to be touched at all. She will still eat from your hand and follow you around though.

Of our dozen RIR's only one is really interested in being around people. The others are happy being left alone and they do not really interact with the other chickens either. They were not raised together though. Then again, my flock of Orps are were raised solo and they mingle with the other breeds as well as people just fine.

My EE's are a bit skittish. I mean, they do come a runnin' every morning looking for food as soon as I let them out. They come looking for food as soon as my wife gets home from work too. But, if you step in their direction they jump sideways. If you reach for them them will sort of stray away. BUT if you have food, all is good. They will come right to you and eat from your hands...

I have a lonely little OOGB that is sassy but super friendly and particularly for a roo. Well, with people. He will take on any full size roost though...lol. He follows me to all of the other feeding areas and then back to the house. He likes to hang out with my wife and I when we are gardening and eat the bugs/weeds we throw out of our raised beds.

My Australorps are pretty friendly too. Somewhere between the RIR's and the Orpingtons. Friendly enough but not so much so that they want handled.

Some of these birds were raised together, some were raised the following season and all were well socialized not only with people and birds but with my dogs as well. Yet all turned out different. For whatever that is worth.

Of those, which would I pick again? Hard to say. Maybe the Orps or maybe the Rock.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Yes, the faverolles can be tricky to find, I've got some chicks on order from Meyer Hatchery - but I went to add more to my order and they were out of Faverolles for that week. There are a couple breeders I found, but they only ship pullets and it was pretty expensive to ship them. Hope you can get some!

I'm continuously looking on Craigslist for some. I missed a Poultry Swap Meet in my area today...ughhhhhh!!! Have to keep my eyes peeled for another swap meet with fingers crossed that they will have some. Good luck with your chicks. I prefer pullets at this time since I'm over the "chick" phase at this time with my most recent purchase in December.

 

[Maryandgailthedog]

I have a flock of 4 pekin bantams, the sound like exactly what you are looking for they are very friendly even somtimes my hens jump onto the swing with me they lay every other day they are sweet little white eggs great tasting!! They also a feather feet that do not mess up your garden and are extremely hardy and mine perch in the bush all year round even when it snows and there is no leaves on the bush!
They are amazing hens