What breed is best for a starter?

[crystal94040]

I was wondering what breed is best for someone who has never raised chickens before?
I'm reading up on what I can but nothing beats experience

I've read that some breeds can be a bit tempermental, I'm looking for chickens that are good egg layers and a breed that isn't too agressive because I have kids. what would you recomend I start with.
I live in SC if it matters.
thanks

 

[speckledhen]

It depends on what you like and how many eggs you want. My all time favorites are Buff Orpingtons and Barred Rocks. Great layers, sweet tempered. Now, you will find that chickens are individuals as well as captives of their breed characteristics. There are other breeds that are gentle, but many of those go broody often and won't give you as many eggs overall.

 

[mdbucks]

I would have to say BUCKEYES, but Buff Orphingtons would have to be a close 2nd.

 

[wolfpack62001]

I agree with speckledhen
RhodeIland Reds are great too.
Silkies make great pets, but are broody.
Partrige Rocks are good too.

 

[lcountry]

I'm a beginner too. For layers/pets, I've started out with 3 orpingtons, 1 australorp, 1 ee, and 2 leghorns.

I love all of them. They have all been handled a lot, and are very sweet girls. The australorp is probably my favorite. She's very curious and the first one to meet me and find any treat tossed out. But, she's a sampling of one - don't know if they are all like this or not.

The orps are just all sweet, gentle birds. I'd feel very comfortable recommending them.

I'd heard that the leghorns would be more skittish and flighty. Maybe I just got lucky - or maybe the hours that they were handled paid off. They are different than the others, but they are quite friendly and interested in what's going on. They are easy to catch and pick up. Though not as cuddly as an orp.

The EE is nice, but she's my least friendly.

Hope this helps!

 

[mdbucks]

http://www.mypetchicken.com/breedQuestions.aspx
try this site will ask you questions nd make recomendations

 

[crystal94040]

thanks for all your help. That site is great, I think we are going to order our chickens from them.
we decided on :
1 australorp
1 plymouth rock
1 delaware
1 Ameraucana

we chose the first 3 because they are soposed to be calm and good layers
and the last one for good temperment and a little bit of color...I think the kids will get a kick out od blue/green eggs!

were so excited...it's quite pathetic...lol

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi from another Carolinian!
I raise Barred Plymouth Rocks and Ameraucanas and both breeds are good-natured and reliable layers.

I get a kick out of blue / green eggs, too.

Good luck with your order!

Lisa in Aiken