In our thirteen years’ of owning chickens we have owned almost all of the breeds I will talk about later. There are a few that I have not owned, but for the most part we did and have tried several breeds. My first disclaimer to owning chickens is that they are easy to raise. We love owning our chickens. Easy to care for in the summer, and the same for winter.
One of the main things to focus on is too keep their water clean and full. Having a flock of chickens means taking the time to give them fresh water daily. Especially in the summer. In addition to that, they will need to have scraps, and some kind entertainment. By that I mean build them a small swing, a notched ladder to climb or a cardboard box to hide in. Chickens get bored and need entertainment.
Here are a few good breeds and characteristics that make them a good choice:
Buff Orpington’s High Egg Production
Buff Orpington’s high egg production is definitely an attractive trait. Especially if this is why you want chickens. These chickens are a very beginner friendly breed. Gentle with children, great temperament and easy to care for in the winter.
Buff Orpington’s can be dual purpose serving as both meat chickens and good egg layers. They lay brown eggs, and mix well with other chickens. These chickens are super great pets as my son has his trained. When they hear him coming to feed the Buff Orpington will come to the gate. He is easily able to pick them up and they do not try to peck at him. If I had to recommend a breed for children this would be one of them.
Roosts in the hen house a lot, and pretty friendly. We would purchase these again.
Australorp Temperament and Thrive in Various Climates
Australorp chicken breed are excellent layers. Work well in various climates and have an even temperament. We have had several of these and they lay brown eggs. Good natured and live a long time. We do not use our chickens for meat when they do not produce as they become pets.
The Australorp are great companions, mix well and are not noisy. Very gentle and friendly chickens. My son who helps me with the chickens has named each one and the Australorp is his second favorite chicken. I like them because they do not run when I want to pick them up, and are easy to catch.
Barred Rock Friendly and Social Breed
Barred Rock chickens they can be good layers, a little more aggressive than our other chickens. Sometimes mix well, and others’ they chase our chickens. It does depend on the chicken, but we have not been impressed. Our chickens are very large and would make good meat chickens, but we keep them to help with the bugs, mice and other backyard pests.
Barred Rock is a chicken breed that we might get again, but not more than one or two. A whole flock of them wouldn’t be necessary for our backyard suburban homestead. Another aspect to consider with this breed is they do live a long time.
Silke Broody and Good Mothers
We have not had any Silkie chickens live. Our winters are harsh and the man in the chicken area at Rural King said they do not live well in harsh winter climates. Since we have an indoor outdoor coop he suggested that we steer away from this breed. We took his advice.
The Silke chicken breed are good mothers because they are broody and will sit on eggs for a long time. Very cute chickens with a fluffy look. Charming and good natured, but as I mentioned do not do well in extreme cold. Perfect for smaller backyards and coops.
Rhode Island Red Low Maintenance and Do Well in Smaller Backyards
The Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed is my favorite. Hands down we would have more of them if I could. They are the sweetest, best for beginner breeds and I can’t say enough good things about them. Our Rhode Island Red’s do well in the winter, get along with our other chickens, lay plenty of brown eggs and are friendly with the kids. My son loves his Rhode Island Red chickens. This breed and the Australorp are our very favorite for pets as well.
Not an easy chicken to pick up. Definitely need room to explore. Smaller spaces do not work as well for them and they do need a roomy coop. Can be a little picky with ducks if they are mixed. All in all we love having chickens and they are a great asset. Eating healthy eggs for breakfast is one of the best benefits of all chicken breeds.
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