which beeds make best pets for children? (other than silkies)

[dftkarin]

I am splitting an order of chicks with a neighbor and they are all with me at the moment (under heat, 1 week old). I have:

1 australorp
1 silver laced wyandotte
1 gold laced wyandotte
4 barred plymouth rocks

I am going to keep 3 (or maybe 4) and I am hoping to have gentle, friendly, hearty, and hopefully productive chickens that will be fun pets for my child. I chose the australorp because they are supposed to be so gentle and docile (and productive) and I love the way the laced wyandottes look and they are supposed to be winter-hearty. Does anyone have any suggestions about which 3 of these might make the very best pets for a shy/lonely animal-loving kid?

 

[Jennyhaschicks]

I would say the barred rocks. We have six and even though they are only 8 weeks old they love us. They will come over to the kids in the yard and just hang out. My friend has barred rocks that are full grown and they are friendly as well.
I don't have experience with the other breeds so I can't say anything about them.

 

[fullhouse]

The australorp and barred rocks are good. The Wyandottes I do not know, but I have been told they can varry in temperament. If you could get a cochin, that would be a great pet. We have 2, if they laid better I would have all cochins

 

[brooster]

The barred rocks are nice and cold hardy too. I myself would take one of each, i like a little of everything! Its up to you, they are all ok.

 

[Lea71]

My barred rocks are the friendliest. And adore human interaction. Are you sure you have to choose?

What a tough choice.

 

[JaciesCoop]

My cochins love everybody and love attention! My Jersey's follow me around but don't like to be picked up.

Jacie

 

[Opa]

I just tried to move a BLRW from her nest and got pecked. I've found that my Australorps and much guieter and gentler. Picking them up has never been a problem.

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

Since you cant choose an Orpington I would go with the Black Australorp.

My Buff Orp Audrey runs over to be picked up when I open the brooder. And she is always closely followed by my Australorp Natalie. My husbands Partridge Rock isnt the friendliest But she is the loudest and most vocal of the group.

 

[Mahonri]

Those Wyandottes are beautiful.

I have 7 Barred Rock and so far they are good.

 

[steffpeck]

I would go for the barred rocks and/or australops. I ordered the SL Wyandottes this year because I think they are so pretty, but after having them, I am going to sell them. They are definetly my least favorite. They are not very friendly at all.