Hi I am brand new to this site & am shortly going to get my first chicks. I want 3-5 egg layers & no roosters. Can anyone suggest good laying breeds that are calm? I am so new to chickens I am very nervous about getting them but it will be ok.
Welcome to BYC! have you had a chance to check out the learning center? There are several breeds of chickens that are described there. Otherwise google Henderson chicken chart. There are many breeds that are calm and lay well, some other things to think about are cold or warm hardiness, broodiness and egg color. Myself I prefer larger breed birds since they are more cold hardy. I prefer Wyandottes for a general purpose bird because they lay well, are friendly (but not cuddly friendly) do well in cold weather and will occasionally raise chicks. Australorps, Orpingtons, and rocks are also decent breeds I have found. Light brahmas and cochins are also cold hardy and very friendly- but don't lay quite as well, and tend to brood frequently.
This article in the Learning Center might be helpful to finding the right chicken breed for you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...cken-guide-to-picking-backyard-chicken-breeds You can see how "friendly" different breeds are by looking at the Handling Ability and Flightiness table. Keep in mind, chickens are individuals and just because the breed is considered calm vs. flighty does not necessarily mean each bird is alike...they can have their own little differences. Gently handling your new chicks, talking to them calmly and not startling them will help them feel comfortable with you. Once they are a couple weeks old, you can start to offer them little bits of healthy treats from your hand...the way to a chickens heart is through it's stomach, lol. Good luck to you and if you have questions, feel free to ask!
Hi and welcome to BYC - glad to have you join us. Good luck with your breed selection and i hope that all goes well for you. CT
Hello! Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to join the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC.
