Which chicken breeds make the best "pet" chickens?

[loran507]

I only have experience w/ buff orpingtons,black australorps, silver laced wyandottes, and auracanas. of these the most docile are the buff orpingtons they let my daughter and gran kids pick them up and are the least flighty. The trick is to handle them gently and often while young

 

[loran507]

I only have experience w/ buff orpingtons,black australorps, silver laced wyandottes, and auracanas. of these the most docile are the buff orpingtons they let my daughter and gran kids pick them up and are the least flighty. The trick is to handle them gently and often while young

 

[dreamingthought]

Out of my first flock, which were Easter Eggers, (Amareucanas), Barred Rocks, and Rhode Island Reds, our barred rocks are skittish, and our rooster was mean. One of the Rhode Island Reds was very sweet as a chick and my son handled her a lot. As they got older, I have one Easter Egger we've named Hawk, and she's a character, very independent. Though they were just layers and not handled a lot, she would walk up to you. When she's in the mood you can walk up and catch her no problem.

I've got a second flock I'm raising, and I've got another Easter Eggers, who's a real sweetie. If you want a pet that's also a good layer, I suggest Easter Eggers. Mine lay through the winter and produce the largest eggs out of my flock. They seem to be really hearty too. I've lost several Barred Rocks, but not a single Easter Eggers.

If you want a good pet just as a pet, I'm really enjoying my new silkie chicks. They fall asleep in my lap. I'm going to have a hard time putting them outside when they get older.

 

[3chimama]

I vote Ameraucanas and Plymouth Rocks! Mine are the sweetest girls...of course I handled them twice daily when they were just hatched.

 

[hudsonhousechicks]

I think my Buff Orpingtons could be held all day long. They do love to find a good lap. I like how large they are too. Good luck on finding the perfect chickens for your family!

 

[livinadream]

My buff orpington is the tamest of the crew. I've heard Jersey Giants are ultra docile too.

 

[bburn]

Large fowl Cochins....gentle and harm none.

Did I mention cochins??

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Ha!! Not sure how this old thread got revived. Now, a year and a half later, my buff orp is the only one of my original girls I'd consider a lap chicken. My plymouth rock is still quite friendly, but not a snuggler. Other than my EE (who died last year), all of my original girls' personalities stayed about the same. I can easily pick all of my girls up. But some tolerate it nicely, while others actually seem to enjoy the attention.
I just got some silkie chicks last month, so I'm hoping the silkie trait of being sweet and friendly holds true.

 

[Diamond438]

I have a Maran and she is so friendly and tame. Lets my 2 young boys pick her up and stroke her. She just sits by my kitchen door all day wanting to come in! Would definately reccommed them!!

 

[eggsontoast]

My two Orpingtons dont really care to be held, although they will be still in my arms while i hold them anyway and will also eat out of my hand. Our most "approachable" chicken, and my children's favorite, is our Coronation Sussex. She is the first to come a runnin' when we open the back door.