What chicken breeds are best for holding/tame?

[centrarchid]

Perhaps people are missing my point.

My point is that not every bird will WANT to be held and petted.
It can be very frightening/stressful for them.
For many birds it is best to appreciate the times when they choose to be near and not force holding onto them.

OP seems more interested in chickens that tolerate handing rather than seeking handling out. @keithandmarchant may need to clarify.

 

[21hens-incharge]

OP seems more interested in chickens that tolerate handing rather than seeking handling out. @keithandmarchant may need to clarify.

Yes clarification can help.

I handle all my birds weekly for health checks and nail trimming. I do not try to get them to snuggle or be carried around.

There is a huge difference between being able to handle a bird without getting flogged and having one sit still for snuggles like a toy poodle.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I haven't owned a bird in 10 years that I could handle during the day without them screaming bloody murder.
It makes for real drama in September when every bird on the property over 4 months of age has to be blood tested for annual NPIP certification.

 

[centrarchid]

Those with small numbers of chickens regarded more as pets have circumstances where more taming is practical. I am not going to hold it against such parties for going the extra mile with interactions involving chickens. I also have squawlers that can not be handled during the day, at least not in the manner required for blood testing, without the birds getting worked up. When same test is performed on my display birds, some I can call up into hand from across yard to be more firmly handled for the blood taking. The latter group far easier to do, but require more of my time to get them so tamed.

I do see a pattern where we sometimes have issue with people keeping chickens as outright pets. We need to recognize this and possibly back away when our interest with chickens differ.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Agreed. Everyone has different objectives. I did offer my suggestions for easily tamed breeds and wasn't trying to foist my objectives on anyone else.
I keep birds in blacked out housing in the morning and catch them before I let them out. Luckily the tester arrives very early in the morning.
I guess Tony Perryman tests your birds?

 

[chickenlittle21]

Agree with other posts, i would add buff orpingtons and marans. But don't forget, just because a breed is known to be nice dosen't mean you can get a rotten apple every once in a while.

My buff orphington is THE bad apple

 

[chickenlittle21]

I recomend polish, sweet chickens

 

[centrarchid]

Agreed. Everyone has different objectives. I did offer my suggestions for easily tamed breeds and wasn't trying to thrust my objectives on anyone else.
I keep birds in blacked out housing in the morning and catch them before I let them out. Luckily the tester arrives very early in the morning.
I guess Tony Perryman tests your birds?

The other fellow, Bill Pettinger. Spelling may be off because I can not read his signature clearly. I am literally 10 minutes from their headquarters and could have brought birds in to them.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The other fellow, Bill Pettinger. Spelling may be off because I can not read his signature clearly. I am literally 10 minutes from their headquarters and could have brought birds in to them.

Tony told me he tests all over the state so I don't know. I know he has tested birds in North and Northwestern Missouri. I guess I just never met him.

 

[centrarchid]

One of my past students also conducts testing. I think she does mostly fairs / shows.