hello

[eneumann]

Hey, I'm Ethan from TN. I'm doing some learning about raising chickens. I haven't gotten any yet. Not even sure what breed to go with. I live in the county on about an acre. I have kids, so a mild mannered breed would probably be best.

 

[N F C]

Hi Ethan, welcome to BYC!

The Learning Center is a good place to start finding out more about chickens (and other poultry). There's even an article there on selecting the chicken breed best for you.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...cken-guide-to-picking-backyard-chicken-breeds


If you'd like to 'meet' other members in TN, you can find some of them here on your state thread. They can give you tips on how to deal with weather issues, where to find breeders, swap meets, etc.:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/226276/tennessee

Good luck to you and your family, if you have questions always feel free to ask!

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC, Ethan. Glad you decided to join our flock. Raising chickens is a wonderful experience for children. Our children and granddaughter (pictured in my avatar) loved our chickens and made lap pets of the calmer and more gentle breeds. Where children are involved, I would suggest going with one of the breeds that has a well deserved reputation for being calm and gentle (potential lap pets) such as Australorps, Orpingtons, Brahmas, Cochins, Silkies, Sussex, and Faverolles. If egg production is a priority, Australorps are the best layers on this list. If you are not objectionable to hybrids (which won't breed true), I would recommend Black Sex Links (Black Stars) which are very friendly and hardy, egg laying machines. I raised them for years (along with dozens of other breeds and hybrids), and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 large brown eggs per hen per year, with double yolks not being uncommon. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Whatever breed (or hybrid) you decide to get, good luck with your flock.

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

Exploring the subject and being prepared before getting your chickens is the best way to start.

I only have experience with BR and BO and both have been fun to raise. Most resources list the BO as the most friendly, but in my experience they do go broody quite often and dealing with a broody hen can be challenging.

IMO: I would stay away from breeds that are often broody if your children are young. If you do select a broody breed, add extra nests to the plan and be prepared to collect any eggs they sit yourself. Stick with all females, roosters can be difficult to deal with and can be dangerous even to adult caretakers. Research what fare best in your area and are available and research those for breed traits and appearance pleasing to you. Start with baby chicks, they are so much fun to brood and watch growing up. It is easier to acquire and raise them in the spring, so you will be able to move them to their permanent home in warmer weather. Try to get sexed or sex-linked chicks to improve the odds of avoiding an unwanted rooster and the issues of rehoming.

Good luck in your decision, I am sure whatever breeds you select you will find this to be a rewarding, fun adventure.

 

[Candy442]

Hey, I'm Ethan from TN. I'm doing some learning about raising chickens. I haven't gotten any yet. Not even sure what breed to go with. I live in the county on about an acre. I have kids, so a mild mannered breed would probably be best.

Hi Ethan, welcome! We love the Easter Eggers, Bielefelder and our Chanteclers have the calmest personalities. People also have had great luck with Buff Orpingtons for calm personality

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Nice to meet you Ethan, Welcome to Backyard chickens. Do you want laying breeds, or meat birds, lawn decorations or children's pets? It would help narrow the field.