thoughts on these breeds for children?

[rancher hicks]

Well, off the list I'd recommend a Delaware. Of course my favorite.

However on a recent Martha Stewart, who I don't care for, she had on her lap an Easter Egger. The hen just laid there with it's wings spread out while Martha petted her. Not sure if it was just afraid to move or it was just such a nice breed.

Six young chicks and there are some nice colors combinations. I specifically like those that have black hackle feathers.

Don't have Welsummers or BR's yet.

 

[jenn-E]

Thanks for all of the feedback so far. It's nice to hear from people who have first-hand experience with some of the different chickens. Now I have to see what breeds of chicks I can actually get from the feed store.

 

[laura tiedemann]

I have 2 EE's, 1 SS and 1 Wels along with 1 BO and 1 SLW that are 9 weeks old. I love them all and I cannot wait for the colorful eggs. The main thing is to hold them alot from day one. Make sure when you go to pick one up in the brooder to not swoop your hand down over the chicks. Their natural instincts kick in (hawks swooping down) so ease your hand in the box. Good luck, backyard chickening is wonderful!

 

[pdsavage]

Speckled Sussex is a great choice but im bias so...
The list of chickens you picked is great and the kids will love them...Good luck and let us know when you get them,cause we love seeing pics of fuzzy butts....

 

[Lollipop]

Jenn, any breed is good, but you have to understand that they are individuals, just like people. Some will be super friendly and others may run, or not be friendly at all as adults. Just gotta expect all attitudes. Have fun and good luck..........Pop

 

[Montana-Hens]

I love Brahama for kids. I have had them from various Hatcheries and they are just plain goofy friendly naturally based on my experience.

Good Luck!

 

[hipeatall]

Easter Eggers! My son loves them... and their eggs. We got our first EE's as day olds over 3 years ago and they are just the best birds... very hardy and full of personality!

 

[nsanywhere]

I also have to vote for "off the list" ones - light brahmas and silkies.

My light brahmas are gentle giants, just a patient and calm as anything around the kids, even the rooster. They also lay huge pinkish brown eggs straight through the winter and don't eat as much as other breeds. BIG thumbs up for light brahmas.

I also have a silkie that is the most darling, gentle bird ever. She will sit in my lap for as long as I want, lets me pick her up, has no problem with lots of little hands petting her, and just sweet.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I know they're only on your alternate list, but i have to put in a big plug for Buff Orpingtons. I have buff orps, barred rocks, white rocks, and rir, and my orps are my favorite by far. I don't want to get rid of the others or anything, but my buffs are the most docile and friendly of any others. The longer i have them, the more i want more of them.

 

[lilblessings5]

I don't know about the Easter Eggers. We have 24 of them and they are so flighty and wild. They are the only birds I have my 3 year old and 8 year old can't pick up, because they just run crazy like whenever we go in the coop. The Easter Eggers are really a mutt- so you never know really what kinds of breeds are in their blood.

Other then that..we have Rhode Island Reds, cochins, golden comets, black giants, Buff Orpingtons, barred rock and we can walk up and pick up any of them.

Will be hatching wellsummer and marans this weekend- hope they are friendly too.

My friend has Silkies and my kids LOVE LOVE LOVE Them...even silkie roosters tend to be more friendly then standard breed roosters.

Good Luck- your kids will have fun with their new pets for sure.