Hello and a questions from Ohio!

[sgoetz]

My family and I are looking at starting our first every "chicken experience" in the next couple of days with the purchase of some chicks from the local farm store. I have two younger children, 9 and 5 years old and am curious as to a good "starter" breed. I think we will be buying six since that is the minimum to purchase. From the little bit I have researched on this site and others, I really like the look of the Rhode Island Reds and the Barred Rocks. We are only looking at layers, BTW. Any suggestions?

Thank you all for the great information and look forward to your replies!

Steve

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello Steve and welcome to BYC!

Lots of good breeds that are friendly, great layers, docile and great with the kids. The Rhode Island Reds and the Barred Rocks are great starter birds as are the Orpington breeds...(Buff Orpingtons and the Black Australorps). I keep the Black Australorps and my girls follow me around like drooling puppies looking for goodies and a nice soft lap to sit on. Can't sit anywhere without a chicken begging to sit on my lap! Very docile and great with kids.

You will want to start in our learning center here on BYC for lots of good reads on all aspects of keeping poultry...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

While you are there, stop by our Breeds page to see what other members are saying about the different breeds...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

Here is a really nice external breeds page that I referred to many times while picking out my breeds. Lots of quick fun info...

http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

This should get you started and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Tuhmu]

and good luck with all your poultry adventures!

Two other breeds that really help "make the flock" are easter eggers and buff orpingtons. The easter eggers have all the different egg colors and the buff orpingtons are a nice docile breed.

More can be read on them here :https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/easter-eggers
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/orpington

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center is also a great place to find info!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good links above about breed selection. Good luck with your chicken project!

 

[gander007]

 

[chickie farmer]

good advice from the others. I have barred rocks They are very friendly. I also have some Isa browns, they are also very friendly. When they get picked on, they come and hide around my legs. Two Crows gave you some great advice.

 

[sgoetz]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. We ended up purchasing four Rhode Island Reds, two white leghorns, and two Ameraucana's. Should be an interesting spring!

-Steve

 

[sourland]

Steve, welcome to BYC. Good choices on your chicks to provide a colorful flock and egg basket.

 

[drumstick diva]

your kids are going to love them.