thoughts on these breeds for children?

[jenn-E]

I have been doing lots of reading about different chicken breeds. We have never had chickens before. We want some that will be reasonably friendly with our 2 children. We want decent egg layers. We plan to let them do some free-ranging in the yard. We have relatively mild winters here in New Mexico. Right now I am considering:

1. Easter Eggers (my kids want the colored eggs)
2. Barred Rocks (I like the way they look)
3. Speckled Sussex (again, I really like their looks)
4. Welsummer (I like the dark eggs)

Any thoughts on these breeds or other suggestions? I also considered Buff Orpingtons & Australorps, but there is a limit to the number we want to get started.

 

[b.hromada]

I know for sure that Barred Rocks are great around kids! I also like the EE's too. The others I haven't had. Enjoy!!!

 

[NewHopePoultry]

Easter Eggers!

 

[muddyhorse]

we have speckled sussex, EEs and barred rocks and my 6 year old daughter totes them all around. I don't have westmullers so I can't say. Mediterranean class birds tend to be flighty. chicks that are handled are tamer.

 

[mrbstephens]

I'd like to choose one that's not on the list. Light Brahma! We LOVE our Trixie!

 

[Ehigh57]

All good choices for children.

 

[mistyfeather]

i had silver laced wyandots, barred rocks , easter eggers , buff orpingtons and rhode island reds they were all very good with my kids, one of the rir's would sit in my sons lap on his swing and swing with him

every time my son would jump on the trampoline she would fly up and perch on the metal bar and watch him

my daughters ee's would fall asleep in her lap and take hour long chickie naps

one would tilt her head towards my daughters every time my daughter said "kiss kiss Miss Puffy Cheaks" and she would kiss Miss Puffy Cheaks on the top of her head

(every night before bed time)

 

[houndit]

Sussex are usually great for children! I have some and they are a lot of fun.

 

[augustmomx2]

I currently have BRs that are just over 1yr, they are my fave. So sweet they actually follow me around to be pet

I have 2 and they are both this way. I recently just acquired some other breeds, speckled sussex & welsummers. They are just about 2mos and the speckled sussex is quickly becoming my fave breed out of this batch. They are curious, follow me around the yard and don't mind being handled. The welsummers are a little more flighty.

 

[quinkerton]

I like barred rocks for children. We were down to 1 br and just lost it to a fox this past week along with our bantam cochin hen which would let my kids pick her up. We also have americaunas, which lay the colored eggs but the ones I have are skittish around the kids. I just ordered standard cochins which are supposed to be wonderful pet type birds as well as good egg layers. But out of your list the barred rock would be my choice. We also had a few BR roo's in the past and they were wonderful gentlemen!