what chickens have all these qualities?

[Animalcrazy1234]

hi I'm looking for a chicken that is:

docile
patient with kids
non flier/ or poor flier/ or flys low to ground
good layer
not prone to broodiness
not expensive to buy
not a bantam
not a fussy eater
must take confinement well
and can take cold weather conditions


I've taken a liking to:
orpintons
australorp
Rhode island red
Hy-linebrown
ISA-brown
new Hampshire red
light Sussex
silkie( i know their broody but the kids have fallen in love with them and I've read their good children's pets)

 

[LRH97]

I like Silkies. Most Silkies that I know of are bantams however. They are so sweet and good with kids and just plain adorable. They are NOTORIOUS for going broody and are great moms. My second choice would be Orpingtons. I'm just a sucker for their puffy feathers. They, too are sweet and docile, but are known to go broody but not as much as Silkies. Both my girls usually go broody in the Spring. In my opinion, they are second only to Silkies in their mothering abilities. So those would be my choices

 

[drumstick diva]

Silkies are generally a favorite with kids - they tend to go broody often, some never do. They are not reliable layers and cannot tolerate really cold weather. I don't think any breed has all the qualities you are looking for. But, I do think your kids will love the silkies.

Check out the silkie threads on here - just put "Silkie thread," in the search box. While you are at it also search "show girls," they are a variety of silkie but very exotic looking, you either love them or hate them. They should share the usual silkie qualities.

 

[petrel]

In my very limited experience with my new flock, the Barred Rocks are the most friendly and tolerant of the children's attentions. They are the first to seek out a warm lap or a shoulder for a higher vantage point. They are supposed to be good layers, mine haven't reached that age yet. They certainly aren't exotic or expensive, and will eat just about anything within reason. They don't seem to mind the cold either.

Welcome to BYC

 

[KyleG]

I agree! silkies are docile and hardy and they are not great flyers. but with all that hair (because truly thats what their feathers look like) they take a little extra work for them to look good. they also cost a little more to buy(but whats a couple bucks?) If your looking for docile don't focus so much on the breed, take the time to get them comfortable with you. and handle them all the time. the more work you put in, the better the result. I have several different breeds and found its all in how much you interact and care for them. I love my silkies but i recommend the Australorps also. They are better flyers but they are cheap to buy( mine was three dollars for day old)they eat everything i give them. take the cold like its nothing,never been broody ( i feel like broodiness is the luck of the draw with individual birds)and My Australorp Named Hello would jump up to be held while we were outside working. oh, and very reliable layers. Good luck and i hope you find the perfect breed for you!

 

[TwoCrows]

to BYC!

I love the orpingtons. HUGE personalities and are affectionate. They are great with kids and are very docile. Great layers too. I only keep the Black Australorps. The are such lap babies and fight for the lap!

You might also check out the breeds section here on BYC for some more info on the different breeds....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[liz9910]

my buff Orpington, Butterscotch, is the friendliest chicken I have! She's constantly underfoot like a dog lol.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Check out Buckeyes.

 

[gander007]

hi I'm looking for a chicken that is:

docile
patient with kids
non flier/ or poor flier/ or flys low to ground
good layer
not prone to broodiness
not expensive to buy
not a bantam
not a fussy eater
must take confinement well
and can take cold weather conditions


I've taken a liking to:
orpintons
australorp
Rhode island red
Hy-linebrown
ISA-brown
new Hampshire red
light Sussex
silkie( i know their broody but the kids have fallen in love with them and I've read their good children's pets)

Look's to me like the kids picked out your chicken