Thinking of having some chickens

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Welcome to Backyard Chickens! We are glad you joined the flock!:frow BYC is a helpful site providing all the information you need to know about poultry! I probably wouldn't take chances on Rhode Island Reds or Red Sex Links if you don't want an aggressive breed and there can also be aggression towards humans in some lines. Rhode Island Reds would probably rank the top list. Red Sex Links can be bossy too. I have a lot of breeds in my flock that are known to lay large-extra large eggs such as Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks (sometimes) and Easter Eggers get along great with the flock! Black Copper Marans can be a little bossy but they were giving me huge eggs when they first started laying at 5 months. Before you go ahead and just buy any chicken you should research and see if the breed includes any characteristic you may not want, and there are some very aggressive chicken breeds out there! Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do!
 
My red sex link chickens are actually pretty friendly. I have a couple that will spaz at a sudden movement (2 out of the 24 I have had so far), but I have 5 of the current 10 that I can walk up to, pick up, and carry around without any issues. I have to shoo the flock away from the door every morning when I go to check food/water and open the pop door. They run to the fence any time they see me out and about. I think how much you handle them as chicks helps with friendliness.
 
:welcome SO many breeds, lol. If you want friendly, L-XL eggs, and guaranteed pullets check out Bielefelders! I love 55 Flowery Hens & Leghorns too, but they're a little more flighty. AustraWhites or California Whites would be good too, but they aren't auto-sexing like Bielefelders or 55 Flowerys. I actually like my Production Breeds too, my AmberLinks are super friendly and lay a nice large sized egg.
 
Edwardhiatt said:
Hi, I am new to this list and am considering raising some chickens for pets/eggs. Trying to learn as much as possible before I jump in. One question I have is what breed to get. I live in Washington state and want a breed that lays extra large eggs and not to aggressive. I live in the city where I'm allowed to have 6 hens but no roosters. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Hello welcome! I live under same rules. I’m assuming since you know some rules in your area, You have already determined if need to apply to own fowl on your property or get permits for pet and/or structure from your local planning commission. I just had to apply and get approved. I waited to get my hens and coop till then.

Breed choice is personal and deciding on egg color, friendliness, size of egg, and frequency help to determine breeds available. There are so many. You can look at Hatchery sites near you online for breeds available to you and I also recommend using the breed selector tool under free tools on mypetchicken.com or your own Hatchery if have one to determine breed preferences and hardiness to weather in your area. Doesn’t matter if you want to purchase there or not. I like useful tools.

That said I chose Golden Buff, Barred Rock, and Speckled Sussex for my breeds as these were the best layers for my area with heat and cold hardiness. Mine are all brown layers. Easter Eggers also good breed for colored eggs. Mine are all standard breeds and my Golden Buffs are not APA recognized but favorite here because they are only 4 pound hens that will reduce my feed bill and still have large brown eggs frequently. More bang for your buck. They are also quiet in the neighborhood and do not disturb the neighbors.

I would also decide how many eggs you want because six hens are a lot. 3 standard best laying hens produce about a dozen per week. Not all hens lay the same amount per year. You may want to think about 3 now and three again in future years when production drops and you need more eggs. Up to you since your flock number is limited how best to use those numbers. You don’t have to get them all up front. I would choose based on need so your not having to think about rehoming, selling, or sending any to the soup pot if you are overwhelmed by eggs or chickens. Just something to think about.
 
:welcome

As you've probably gathered by now, everyone has their "favorites" when it comes to breeds :D I'd suggest going with a mixed flock...try a couple of each breed you're interested in to see which ones you favor.

Best wishes to you and thanks for joining us!
 
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