Choosing Breeds!

[RodNTN]

I have soo many breeds, it's hard to list my favorites.
My calmest breeds are my Buff Orpingtons, they lay anywhere from 2 to 7 eggs a week, so it usually depends on the weather, whether or not they're molting, etc.

I also love my Easter Eggers, they usually lay 4 to 5 eggs a week. One of my Easter Eggers "Cookie" has to be my friendliest hen, all I have to do is hold my arm out and she quickly flies up and perches there for the longest time

Some folks complain about flighty Leghorns, but my Leghorns are fantastic layers and they are such sweethearts

 

[lfrye11]

orpingtons all the way!!

 

[mrshafer5]

#lightbrahma

 

[SilkiesInSuburb]

In addition to my previous post, brahmas and cochins/pekin bantams are also quite sweet. I'd reccomend them as well.

 

[alexa009]

There is always a big selection of chicken breeds when you want one with good egg production and a friendly bird. Buff orpingtons are friendly curious birds but they are not your typical lap bird like the brahma or red sex link. Out of my barred rocks, white rock, brahmas, red sex links, buff orpingtons, delaware, easter egger and australorp for example, the only ones that are lap birds are the brahmas, red sexlinks, delaware and sometimes my australorp. It all depends how much you socialize with your chicken though. There is always a lot more friendly breeds out there too!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

#lightbrahma

X2

 

[Onslow's Hens]

If you want the puppy dog of chickens - get Speckled Sussex. I have ALL different breeds. Each spring I get a variety and I love have a little bit of everything. My absolute favorite and the most pet like chicken is the Speckled Sussex. Buff Orpingtons are great and sweet but they are not AS people oriented as the Speckled Sussex. Give a couple a try and you will definately not be dissapointed.

 

[Rstine]

I have a mixed flock and try to get unusual ladies. I love my RIR hens, they are some of my oldest and friendliest. The rooster on the other hand is quite a mean jerk and may soon end up in the pot. My silkie s just crack me up. My little houdan looks striking and is all about her business. I have 1 polish that is a good flock bird but lays small eggs for her size. A neighbor was trying to breed chickens who were all black but lays blue eggs. So I ve got some Americauna mixed with unknown black birds that are some of my favorites at this moment.

 

[Alexandra33]

If you're mainly looking at the personality side of things, bantams are the best way to go in my opinion. Since these mini munchkins haven't been bred for egg production like many of the larger breeds, they excel in pet qualities. (although I gather at least 4/5/6 decent-sized eggs a week from each one) I've kept a huge variety of chooks, large and small, and while many of my standard-sized girls have been friendly, the bitties far outshine them in that respect. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats a bantam! My personal favorites are my 5 d'Uccles, they truly are the sunshine of the flock. It's honestly hard for me to get anything done out there for all their constant cries to be scooped up and loved! You also can't go wrong with Old English Game bantams, which are ridiculously tiny and docile. I could go on forever and ever, but to cut things short, some others you may want to check out are: Cochins, Ameraucanas (not Easter Eggers, true Ameraucanas), Wyandottes, Salmon Faverolles, Brahmas, and Silkies. But as far as large fowl girls go, Barred Rocks, Speckled Sussex, and SOME EEs have been quite sweet. Bottom line: each bird has its own personality, much like us humans. Though there are natural tendencies, you can go for a breed that's known to be personable, and end up with a rotten egg....or you can pick out a breed that's known to be flighty as all get out, and it'll be the cuddliest bird in your flock! Part of the fun is trying everything out!

Wishing you the best!
~Alex

 

[WhatAboutBob?]

I love my GLW's and EE's! They are human friendly, and good layers. I am getting 6 eggs a day on average out of 7 pullets.