What is a good "beginner" chicken breed

[NdaStix]

I have geese and have been thinking about buying the place I rent now. Couple acres, little house, nothing fancy but no land restrictions so I can have chickens, emus, elephants as far as I know.

I have been lurking for awhile but am just now jumping on the band wagon. Ya'll are fun to "listen" to btw.

I am wanting some chickens. Want to just keep one breed. Want some quality birds because I might want to show. Something sweet and isn't going to attack me. I do have some really bad memories of my grandmother's farm. Some chickens just give you that look and they have beady eyes.

What are your suggestions?

 

[SunshineSteedFarm]

Are you leaning towards larger chickens (large fowl) or are you wanting smaller chickens (bantams)?

 

[Sorin]

Hello! And

. I'm sure many will tell you their favorite breeds, so I'll tell you mine

I'm sure no one will argue with Buff Orpingtons, pretty good layers as well as very friendly birds. I have one of these and she is my sweetest bird, she was never handled as a baby and I got her when she was two months old and from day one she would let me pick her up

. She doesn't like it but tolerates it. Also, they will go broody if you want to hatch chicks. Another good breed for beginners is Barred Rocks, generally pretty friendly with people and good layers. I don't like them in a mixed breed flock because they tend to bully other breeds, but very personable with people. Aother one I will mention is Cochin. They are very docile, and very cute with those wide fluffy butts and feathered feet. They make excellent mothers, but not the best layers, maybe 3-4 a week. You can check out the breeds section here on BYC to find out about many other breeds and I'm sure others will give you some great ideas as well. Good Luck!

 

[NdaStix]

I guess little chickens- bantams

I have a little building that can be converted into a coop but it is small. So probably just 5 or so little chickens will fit ( I read alot on the coop posts especially ).

Cochins are cute. They look little footballs to me. I like the color of buff orpingtons. Can't do the barred rock- my grandmother had some of those but she called them dominkeckers (sp?)

 

[NdaStix]

Thanks for the welcome too

 

[Sorin]

Quote:
You can get Cochins and Orpingtons in bantam.

 

[SunshineSteedFarm]

As far as bantams go, I will mention the breeds I have experience with.

I own Seramas and Modern Game Bantams and they are the sweetest little things! My Serama rooster is super sweet to his ladies and humans. You can tote him and my hens around with no fuss as they love attention. My Modern Game Bantams are super sweet! My little rooster was such a gentlemen to his girlfriend, and he was an "in your pocket" type of guy. The hen is very calm and loves to be messed with. As far as egg laying goes, I have had pretty good luck with my hens. Seramas, I get about 4-6 eggs from each hen a week. And my modern game hen is a very steady layer at around 5 eggs a week.

 

[NdaStix]

I know you are probably going to think I am crazy but I don't eat eggs. I occasionally use one in cooking but don't need many for one person.

Don't modern games look like they have been stretched? No offense meant.

Are they hard to hatch? Would it better if I just bought grown birds?

 

[SunshineSteedFarm]

Quote:
Hehe, they do have quite the long legs!

So far I have only hatched a couple of Modern Games since my rooster passed away and I havent gotten another. Had a 100% hatch though. And with my Seramas, I have had all 100% hatches under broodies. Havent tried an incubator before. I do know that in later October my hen went broody, got of the nest for 4 days (weather was terrible) and she got back on them and all hatched despite being left for a while.

In my opinion, I would go with a started group of birds.

 

[Tres Amigas]

Oh, the beady eye thing hasn't changed, I assure you

We have sex link hens - in it for the eggs and fun, so have no good advice re: showing. Just wanted to welcome you - I got a kick out of your post!