Which chickens should I get?

[Leanimal]

I'm getting the six baby chicks in February. Which breeds should I get? I have two young kids so they need a sweet disposition and egg laying is the next priority. My coop is 4x6 with 3 nest boxes and a yard to play in so size is not really an issue. These will be my first chickens so easy care will be a nice attribute. I live in Washington with mild winters, but we do get snow. So winter hardy too please.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Black Austrolorps & Buff Orpingtons would top my list of breeds for your needs.

 

[Pyxis]

Do you have an egg color preference? If you would like brown eggs, I would recommend sex links. All of mine have been docile and good with children, and have never had any issues in the Vermont winter. They are egg laying maniacs, and there is no way they can be sexed wrong and you can end up with a rooster. They come in a variety of colors, too. They are great beginner chickens. I would also recommend easter eggers if you think your kids would get a kick out of the green and blue eggs. They are also pretty docile and have pea combs, so winter is no issue.

If you're looking for actual purebred breeds, orpingtons, brahmas, and jersey giants are about as docile as they come, although they are dual purpose breeds so they don't lay as well as the sex links. Silkies and cochins are very docile and mine are lap chickens, but again, not so great with the laying.

 

[Leanimal]

Thanks All! I think I am going to get 2 easter eggers, a plymouth barred rock, buff orphington, 2 black australorps, and a black sex link! With all the cool breeds, how can you just pick one!!? Wish me luck!!