Need help in choosing breeds

[s6bee]

I am new and actually have no chickens yet. My kids and I would like to raise one or two each for eggs and to show ( hopefully ) in our local 4-H program next summer. I have read tons of stuff and am at the point of being pretty informed yet also confused. We have neighbors that say it's OK for us to have chickens but I would like to find something quiet. We plan on having no roosters. We want egg layers and live in Upstate NY where it gets cold in the winter. Of course looking to have these as possible show birds in 4-H they need to be docile and friendly so the kids can handle them. They will not be free range, but will have a large Chicken Tractor.
I have narrowed down the birds to Barred Rocks, Black Astalorp, Silver Laced Wyandottes, Golden Buff's and or Ameraucauas. Any feedback would be helpful on this.
Also, what can anyone tell me about the lice problem they can have?

Thanks,
Stephanie

 

[Rooster01]

Out of the ones you listed, I would go with the Barred Rocks or Wyandottes. I have the Golden Laced ones but I don't think there is any differance between them. Both are calm, friendly and are great layers. They also lay good in the winter but I'm in WV so it doesn't get as cold here. The Wyandottes are hardier during the winter because of their rose combs. Barred Rocks have single combs which lose heat and their combs can get frostbite easier.

Heres a picture of an Barred Rock and Golden Laced Wyandotte when they was about 2 months old.

Heres a picture of the same chickens this spring. Sorry the pictures came out somewhat blurry.

 

[s6bee]

Thank you very much for your help, now choosing where to buy from since I am only getting a few.

 

[mom'sfolly]

I only have four birds, but my EEs/amarcaunas are flighty and don't like to be handled. We've had them since they were small chicks and my kids handled them every day. As 5 month old pullets, they don't like to be touched. My RIR and RSL are very hand friendly, and like to be held.

 

[nu2chixinmo]

I got some Golden Buff Orphs, after a few in my first batch died. I didn't get to spend as much time with them as the first batch. They are now out in the coop with the bigger ones, they are so friendly and loving to me and my daughter. I figured it would be the opposite, since we didn't spend much one on one time with them, but not is such the case.

My barred rock ladies are also very friendly and loving, I can definitely count on Henrietta hopping on my lap or shoulders.

Have fun with whatever breed you decide. They all are such beautiful feathered creatures

 

[EweSheep]

Salmon Faverolles and Silkies.....are the preferred ones.

I live in the city too and I have found my girls are all friendly and gentle...it all depends on the birds themselves or how often you handle them.

I got two SSH bantams that are so friendly and the Blue Rocks were offstandish around people. My Welsummer girl is somthing else, gotta get in the first place in the food line. My pure Amercuana banty is the boss of the place.

Good luck!

 

[s6bee]

Well I orderd my chicks and they should arrive this Thurs.

Thanks for the help guys.

I decided on Silver Laced Wyandottes, Barred Rocks, Austrolorps, and a Deleware. Hopefully I can find a silkie pullet near by at our fair for sale. We wanted one of those but have to have a hen.