Trying to gain knowledge before we pick up chicks!!! Help!!!

[ranchhand]

Quote:
I'm glad that was brought up. I'd raised chickens for 19 years and I never let then near my own head at all, anymore - and kids? NOT at all. They can pet them, while I hold the chicken.
Back on topic, BOs or Australorps are good choices. If you're not choosy about egg size, some of the bantams might be good, Cochins came to mind first.

Beware of any roosters, once they reach about 1 year they get a hormone supercharge and it's difficult to predict which will be nice. Just my personal experience, the odds are against a nice one, most get aggressive and have to be dominated.

Beware also of letting chickens live in the garden- it will soon be a barren desert!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I am also new to chickens. I just got my first flock in March but I have learned a lot from this website and reading a bunch of chicken books. My chickens are 7 weeks old and based on my experience so far, I would suggest dark brahmas. My two dark brahmas are very friendly and allow me to hold them without screaming bloody murder like my two production reds and two black australorps. When I read your post the first breed that came to my mind were buff orpingtons. I have read so many post about how they are good layers and really friendly. Good luck with your chickens!
Edited to add link to the breeds index: https://www.backyardchickens.com/breeds/breed-chart

 

[Wildflower_VA]

I agree that a 'garden' of only 40 square feet (10 feet by 4 feet) will barely be enough for two chickens if that has to include sleeping quarters. Do you have any grassy areas where they can free range some times?

 

[Domestic_goddess]

I wouldn't recommend Buff orpingtons for your first chicks, they are friendly though. I have 3 that are driving me crazy with how broody they are, one of them is always broody and then they stop laying during that time...thier a pain, unless your looking for broody to set on eggs for you. My first chicks ever were Barred Rocks, they are friendly and In my experience have out layed any other breed. I have 3 year olds still laying and they don't go broody very often. My other favorite golden sexlinks, they are very friendly too and lay well.