What breed to get?

[Oceair]

So as you may know, or may not lol, I plan on getting chickens again However, there are a few issues that came up that I wanted to address before picking a breed. This may be lengthy and I apologize in advance. I'm really very sorry, I just want the best for them

The space we have is only 25 ft by 6 ft. I will need help building a simple coop, but I will post on that later It is all soil. Very healthy and fertile soil, but it's still soil. If there is the need, I can get some grass seeds and plant some grass if it is necessary. If not, I plan on buying some chicken harnesses and letting them walk in the front yard for a bit. NOTE - We have no grass in the backyard. Only in the front yard.

We have tenants living in our backyard studio, so they need to be a breed that won't be super vocal. Of course, clucking and "hollering" after egg laying is normal. I'm not being unrealistic, chickens gotta cluck. I think it's cute. And considering my bedroom window is right next to the coop/run, quiet is nice It sucks living in the city...

I plan on getting only two hens because I understand they are social creatures and require some form of socialization. The added plus about hens is egg laying. This isn't that important, but the occasional home fresh egg would be nice. Daily would be even better, but egg production isn't their purpose. They will be family I personally don't believe in eating pets lol

Something that isn't very flighty. I can't stress this enough. Yes, there will be a fence but I'd rather not have the hens roaming all over the backyard or even worse, the front yard.

I plan on raising them from chicks. This is to have a stronger bond with them. I plan on babying them like crazy and letting them live in my bedroom during their time as chicks. I have a feed store here that carries many breeds, I just need help picking one

Since I really want to have ensured hens, I'm looking at sex links. Either black or red. Golden sex links are rather unappealing. I would LOVE a silkie, but I know that sexing them is near impossible.
I've read the pages here and on MPC but I'd also like some more feedback and tips and advice
Sorry about being so picky. If I figure out what breed of hens, I can figure out a coop size.

Thank you for all the help

 

[Tanichca]

Have you used the BYC breed selector tool? That can help narrow it down! It's on the top bar, under "Breeds."

I'd suggest, though, a good breed like a Cochin or Wyandotte. Quiet, good layer, nice and docile, and quite pretty.

 

[Oceair]

Hiya

I did try it but I just got super confused lol.

Both breeds you suggested are really cute Is there anyway I can get chicks that are pretty guarunteed hens, or is it hit and miss. I'd hate to get attached and have to get rid of a rooster.

 

[keesmom]

First thing I would suggest is getting more than 2 chicks. Things happen, and it's possible not all will make it to maturity. I would also keep at least 3 hens, in case something happens to one. As far as noise goes, I've found it's an individual trait rather than a breed one.

Avoid the Meditteranean breeds (Leghorn, Ancona, etc) as they can be flighty, and can fly! Orpingtons, Cochins, Faverolles, and Brahmas come to mind for docile breeds. I have Favs and I can sex those by a week old. I've had black sex links and they were good. I would choose those over the reds.

Talk to your local feed store and see what they usually order, from where, and if they are sexed.