What breed should I get?

[averytds]

I have 3 kids. A 9 yr old, a 6 yr old and an almost 2 yr old. Our 6 older hens, 4 RIRs and 2 BRs approx 4mnths old, will run to the gate, follow you around, eat from your hand, etc. But if you make any sudden movements or try to touch them, off they go. We raised them from chicks and handled everyday.

We also have 1 Brahma and 3 (I think) Ameraucana/Brahma mix pullets approx 2mnths old. We got them at about 1mnth old from a breeder who hand raised them. They are super gentle and love the kids. No problems with the kids handling, playing with or toting around. We aren't at the egg laying stage yet and I understand that Brahmas take a little longer to mature, but I'm okay with that.

Here's a link to basic info about them. They're a good choice for us.http://www.mypetchicken.com/Brahma-B16.aspx
HTHs.

 

[andy]

ive noticed you only have 5 posts,, ill check again soon,,its very addictive,,

 

[Greystoke]

Thanks guys for all of your suggestions! My grandsons are 2 and 5 and I dont let them outside without supervision so they will always be supervised around the chickens, I just dont want a rooster or hen chasing them down and flogging them.

The hens that we are thinking about getting are australorps, plymouth rocks, and rhode island reds. I also am thinking about the delawares, orpingtons, and wyandottes. I dont know if we will just get one hen of each of these breeds or if we should get more than one, in which case I probably need to build a bigger coop!

 

[MissPrissy]

You will love the rocks, orpingtons and wyandottes. I know I do.

 

[speckledhen]

My favorite breeds for gentle personalities and wonderful laying prowess are Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons, in that order. I had a couple of little girls running around while visiting and they would squat for the little girls, LOL. My Ameraucanas are super sweet, but I do specifically have Ameraucanas and not Easter Eggers, to clarify that.

 

[rooster-red]

I think Buff Orpingtons would be a great choice.

 

[Greystoke]

So would any of these breeds work out for a rooster? Are they as calm as the hens or do all roosters behave differently?

 

[rooster-red]

Its an individual thing.
Check out my rooster behavior page, the link is in my sig line, it might help answer a few questions.

 

[Greystoke]

Thanks Rooster-Red. You have some great info on your site!