What breed for us?

[gypsyroseplus6]

My husband and I are looking into having back yard chickens. One thing we cant figure out is what breed would be good for us. We live in Massachusetts and near the ocean. So it can get cold. We would like something that lays 5 or more eggs in a week. We would rather have a calmer more loving breed if possible. We have 5 kids and would LOVE for them to interact with the children. Anyone have any idea on what breed would be best for our needs?

 

[Ghostbelly]

so do you want a broody because cochins and silkies just love hatching chicks . if you don't want chicks though get a rhode island red i have two and get an egg from each of them a day

 

[Ghostbelly]

and all you have to do to have a loving chicken is too spend alot of time with them and when ever you come in the coop they will learn to just come and hop on your lap

 

[SD Bird Lady]

I would suggest orpingtons. Mine lays 6 - 7 large eggs per week and they are quite curious, calm, and friendly. My kids 2-4 &6 get along with them well. They do have a single comb so I would suspect the roosters could get frostbite but my hens do fine. They do go broody though so that is a downfall on the laying front but on the upside you can raise the next generation of layers w/o much effort on your part. I have also heard australorps are great too but have not had personal experience.

 

[gypsyroseplus6]

so do you want a broody one because they just love to hatch chicks

. if you don't want chicks though get a rhode island red i have two and get an egg from each of them a day

No. I live in the city. While they allow chickens they do NOT allow roosters so I don't need one that wants to hatch chicks.

 

[gypsyroseplus6]

I would suggest orpingtons. Mine lays 6 - 7 large eggs per week and they are quite curious, calm, and friendly. My kids 2-4 &6 get along with them well. They do have a single comb so I would suspect the roosters could get frostbite but my hens do fine. They do go broody though so that is a downfall on the laying front but on the upside you can raise the next generation of layers w/o much effort on your part. I have also heard australorps are great too but have not had personal experience.

no roosters allowed where I live. They allow chickens though. I have to get permits.

 

[Ghostbelly]

than rhode island are perfect for you they have broodiness bred out of them

 

[gypsyroseplus6]

and all you have to do to have a loving chicken is too spend alot of time with them and when ever you come in the coop they will learn to just come and hop on your lap

LOL I used to have turkeys when I was a teen. (They were mine. Parents originaly bought them for slaughter....YAHHH that didnt happen LMAO!). They were free range. I would lay in the yard and all four would lay on me. The lightest one was 55 pounds heavest was 60.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

May I suggest using this tool to get you started and then you can pick a few a read up on them further.
http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

 

[Ghostbelly]

LOL I used to have chickens when I was a teen. (They were mine. Parents originaly bought them for slaughter....YAHHH that didnt happen LMAO!). They were free range. I would lay in the yard and all four would lay on me. The lightest one was 55 pounds heavest was 60.

thats so cute