If you could only have four chickens...

[chloeheller]

What breeds would they be and why?

Where I live I can only keep 4, no roosters. I'd like good layers but ones that have longevity, if possible. We don't need heaps of eggs, just about a dozen/week - any extras will be given to friends and neighbors. Friendly hens would be a plus, as would a multi-colored egg basket.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

You might consider Easter Eggers. They lay pretty eggs ranging from green, blue, and pink. They lay consistently. They are good healthy birds that do ok in a confined space.

 

[donrae]

Are you looking at more common breeds? Are you limited by what's available in your local area or are you ordering from a hatchery? Do you have small kiddos that are going to be involved? Are the birds intended to be as much pets as egg producers?

 

[chloeheller]

I'm weird and think Easter Eggers are often silly looking. Don't throw tomatoes! I think it's my OCD telling me that I need them to match (i.e. be clean-legged, single combed, etc) I may have to get over it...I've also had friends get Easter Eggers that layed light brown and since I can only have such small numbers I don't want to risk it.

We will free range them as much as possible on our 1/3 acre.

I do have small kids.

I am open to any breed, I am happy to do the work to locate a breeder and order via mail or pick up within reasonable drive.

They will be pets, yes, insofar as we'd like them to enjoy hanging out with us and vice versa, but I am being realistic about the fact that it's a chicken and its happiest life (some free ranging) is also it's most dangerous life. We also will likely cull and bring in new pullets if we aren't getting the eggs we need at some point.

 

[donrae]

So it sounds like you're thinking of the more common dual purpose breeds. If you want egg color variety, a Legbar would be a good way to go, if you can find a pullet in your area. They should lay blue eggs. A Welsummer will give you dark terra-cotta or speckled, always pretty. Then for consistent brown eggs you can go with so many breeds...any of the Rocks, Wyandottes, Orpingtons, Australorps, or sex links. Those breeds are all good, proven backyard breeds.

With littles, I was thinking something like a Faverolles might be a good way to go, but they're bearded and feather legged, with extra toes.

My Marans hens are very docile and good producers of dark brown eggs, but they're feather legged.

 

[chloeheller]

Why are Faverolles a good breed with kids? I haven't heard much about them to be honest. People always bring up Buff Orpingtons as friendly and docile, but I know they can also be broody.

 

[donrae]

Faverolles are very calm and docile and tolerate being handled well. They're fluffy and make good pets. They do tend to go broody, though, not something you want if you're not going to be raising chicks.