What Breeds Of Chicken Are the Best Pets?

[Claire13]

I'm looking to start a small flock of hens in my backyard and I was looking at purchasing 3 brahmas (1 light and 2 buff) , 2 golden laced wyandottes, and 1 white crested black polish. Has anybody ever had any issues with these species? If so, what other breeds would you suggest?

Also, where do you recommend purchasing your chickens from?

 

[mpsteve]

Only chickens I have had are buff orpingtons. Wanted to get brahmas but supplier was sold out. Do not regret getting my 10 buff orp pullets and 1 roo. Nicest birds I have met. Follow me around the yard and they love my two kids 3 year old and 1.5 year old. Even the roo lets the kids pet him. People I know have other breeds like rir, nh reds and the like and I will not leave my kids with them but I do not worry about my kids with my buff orpingtons

 

[MRJNC]

I have had several breed but the wife wanted Buff Orpingtons. Now they have been the best pets as well as great egg layers. My roo which the kids call Abraham will let out 4 year old carry it around like a doll. I had to put down a RIR roo because if it got out it would attack the kids. One of the Buff O hen is called Snuggler and it rides in my daughters' electric Barbie car with them. Out of the 12 we have now all are sweet except for the one broody hen. For pet chicken its Buff O by a mile.

 

[Michael OShay]

Those breeds are generally docile although I have had an occasion aggressive Wyandotte over the years. Brahmas are an especially calm and gentle breed. Other breeds that have a well deserved reputation for being calm and gentle (potential lap pets) include Australorps, Orpingtons, Cochins, Silkies, Sussex, and Faverolles. Of course there can always be an exception with any breed. Unless you're wanting show stock, I would suggest just purchasing them from a good reputable hatchery. I've ordered chicks from four of them over the past 50 years; Murray McMurray Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery, Dunlap Hatchery, and Ideal Poultry, and have been happy with the birds and service of all four of them. I've never lost more than a chick or two in shipping, and since they always put two or three extras in the box anyway, I've always gotten what I've paid for. Whatever breed you decide to get, good luck with your flock.

 

[QuoVadis]

In personally would never get Wyandottes is you want a very interactive pet chicken. They tend to be calm but aloof, at least the ones from hatcheries. The Brahmas will be good pets, and most Polish will be too. I personally would recomend D'uccle bantams and Speckled Sussex as pets. Along with Brahmas they have been some of the best pets ever. Some normal EEs are amazingly sweet as well, but I find they are either total lovers or more standoffish.