Our first flock was comprised of two Rhode Island Reds, three Buff Orpingtons, one Silver-Laced Wyandotte, and two Cream Brabanters. The Brabanters were lovely to look at but we were never able to turn them into pets. In fact, I think they could fairly be called wild. We ended up selling them to a couple who wanted an ornamental flock of laying hens. The remainder of the hens were friendly to varying degrees, with the Silver-Laced Wyandotte being the least friendly, but our favorite hens were the Buff Orpingtons. We found them to be friendly, beautiful and good layers.
After we put together our first flock we became addicted. We started out wanting only four hens, came away with six, and a day later we had eight! We now have four Buff Orpingtons, two Rhode Island Reds, two Delawares, two Australorps, four Black Sex Link (Black Stars), one Americauna, one Golden Laced Wyandotte, one Silver Laced Wyandotte, and two Blue Laced Red Wyandottes. The Wyandottes continue to be the least friendly, by far, but they're so pretty I can't help but forgive them for their aloofness.
Our youngest daughter is particularly smitten by the brave and spunky Black Stars and the Delawares who practically purr when we pet them and beg to be petted and carried.
Best of luck to you as you put together your flock!
