Just Starting Out

[swflchick]

Any advice on the right breed for the first time chicken parent? I would like a less expensive, egg laying, friendly bird that we can get to know as the family pet. My girls are interested in eventually showing chickens too.

 

[gkeesling]

I started out with Plymouth Barr Rocks. They work out very well. They are hardy for the winter and good brown egg layers.

 

[FLF]

I started out with Barred Plymouth Rocks, too and would highly recommend them! I also had Black Australorps, they were very beginner friendly.

 

[joletabey]

Delawares- I have 16 7 week old Dels who are very friendly. They have come up to me instead of running away from the beginning. Check out the Delaware thread- it's long, but you will see how many people have posted about the friendliness of their Dels.

 

[poultryhaven]

I would suggest Speckled Sussex, They are gentle, pretty and friendly

 

[RAREROO]

Barred Rocks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TK Poultry]

i started out with EEs, Plymouth Rocks, and New Hampshire Reds all very good starter breeds

 

[95yj]

i'd stay away from EE's if you ever want to show anywhere, plus i have to admit that i'm biased against mixed breeds. RIR's are good, plymouth rocks are good, dominiques are even better if you can find them. NH reds are also a good choice. Or you could get a bunch of chickens that aren't great egg producers, ex. about 30 japanese hens.

 

[95yj]

silkies would be a good all around bird for your purposes.

 

[speckledhen]

Barred Rocks or Delawares, either one, are fabulous. If you're wanting to show them at APA sanctioned shows, you should probably get them from a breeder rather than a hatchery.