What is best age to get chickens?

[NZJanet]

I want to get young chickens that will be young enough so that I can get them used to being held (so they are friendly when my grandson comes to visit). But I know they need to be old enough so I can be sure I am getting females. Any other suggestions about which age and breed makes the friendliest pets?
Thanks for any advice!
Janet

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. From my experience, some chickens like to be held and others will run a mile if you go anywhere near them - regardless of whether one has them from day old chicks or not. In fact, some of my friendliest birds I've bought way after they had begun laying.

Spending time in their presence, and feeding treats (e.g. mealworms etc) is a good way to get chicks used to being handled.

I'm sure other members will be along to advise on friendly breeds - where I live getting actual breeds is very difficult, so I'm not best placed to give that advice.

Best wishes
CT

 

[NZJanet]

Thanks CT!

 

[SueT]

You could get sex link chicks ....males and females are different colors so can be positively identified at hatching...
My daughter got 3 of them for that reason, 2 reds and a black. My granddaughter, now 4, carries the black around, it's that friendly. Plus they get 3 eggs every day....

There are bantam breeds such as silkies, that are especially friendly...
Good luck, let us know what you get!!!

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

IMO raising from baby chicks is a wonderful experience - fun for you and your family. But it does give one some nervousness about luck of the draw on gender unless you opt for sex-linked breeds as SueT said.

I've had luck with obtaining mine from an independent store that orders theirs professionally sexed from a hatchery. If you have a local breeder - you may be able to get them still young but old enough to be sure they are pullets. Stay away from TSC, straight runs or feed/seed places where the employees can mix the bins or have no experience with baby chicks.

I would suggest you search thru the breed informations and charts to help you select what meets your expectations and how you plan to tend your flock. But it is surprising that every bird will have it's own unique personality and characteristics and not always fit into those described in the resources. Explore the breeds reviews and ratings on BYC - and you'll find that not everyone agrees on the friendliest.

I have experience only with BO's and BR's but love them both. The BO's usually are top rated for children - but they go broody often and turn into "little witches"- definitely not friendly when that happens. The BR's rarely go broody, are sweet and fun. I currently have 4 Welsummer pullets in my brooder - they are supposed to be sweet and friendly and mine (now a little over 3 weeks old) are very easy to handle and love.

For my purposes, I needed breeds that do well in confinement which limits the selection. If you will be able to free range, that gives you more choices.

And the age of your grandson will also make a difference in how the flock responds. Even the sweetest chicken will peck your clothes, shoes, pull on your jeans for attention Even the tamest chicken would run if chased or approached too quickly.

Have fun with your planning, pick the breeds you are thinking about and then revisit the question to help with the decision.

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Welcome to BYC! Other members have given you great advice!

 

[drumstick diva]

Silkies are generally very docile and kids love them. However they are extremely difficult to sex before 4-5 mos. of age and sometimes not till they crow or lay eggs.