What is the best breed of chicken to start out with?

[christina_ski]

I had 17 misc chickens at one point that I got from TSC, but decided to start over and focus on just one breed so sold all of them. I am wanting to get a breed for eggs, not laying machines, but enough for 1-2 people. I would prefer bantams since they are smaller, so they would need a smaller pen and if the weather gets too bad they could have a cage in the house/garage.

I had some Silver Laced Wyandottes and I loved their color and personalities. But didn't know if they came in bantam. I want something pretty to look at, can lay enough eggs for 1-2 people, and can live in a small area that aren't too noisy. I don't mind crowing or the cackling at all, but want to keep numbers down lol.

Any suggestions on a nice bantam breed that would fit? How many hens/roosters I will need?


Thanks!

 

[miss_jayne]

what about bantam cochins? beautiful, fluffy and lay nicely for bantams.
i would get double the amount of birds as you want eggs.

(ie: for two eggs a day, four chickens)

most bantams are sold straight run, not sexed so my may want started pullets.

hope you find what you are looking for.

here is one of my handsome fellas...

 

[cybercat]

Yes, there are SLW as well as GLW. Many hatcheries carry them and there are breeders also.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Any suggestions on a nice bantam breed that would fit? How many hens/roosters I will need?

Yes

and

As many as you have space for

again

 

[sloallie10]

i would get double the amount of birds as you want eggs.

(ie: for two eggs a day, four chickens)

what do you mean by that?​

 

[AtRendeAcres]

<<<i would get double the amount of birds as you want eggs.

(ie: for two eggs a day, four chickens)>>>

If you want 4 eggs a day get 8 hens!
usally 3 Bantam eggs = 2 regular size eggs


http://ideal-poultry.com/ has small orders!

(they also have a few different color Bantam Wyandottes

 

[christina_ski]

I think Bantam Cochins are they breed for me, now its just picking out the color(s) I want and getting the brooder set-up

 

[StrawberryHouseMouse]

I love good ol Rhode Island Red hens and Barred Rocks are cute too and you can find both those in the bantam variety.