Friendliest chickens?

[SoultySpittoon]

When I’m finally able to get some chickens, I want to be prepared. What starter breeds would you personally recommend for someone who really just wants a small flock of friendly little garden companions? Bonus points for friendly breeds that are also decent egg layers with pretty feathers! Any other chicken tips or recommendations are most welcome!

 

[Mountain trapper]

When I’m finally able to get some chickens, I want to be prepared. What starter breeds would you personally recommend for someone who really just wants a small flock of friendly little garden companions? Bonus points for friendly breeds that are also decent egg layers with pretty feathers! Any other chicken tips or recommendations are most welcome!

My suggestion is to get on the McMurray McMurray or Strongbergs website and order one of their catalogs. They have good descriptions of all of their breeds with their pros and cons. That's the way that we buy all of our chickens. Been buying from these hatcheries for probably 25 years.

 

[Amish Heart]

Buff Orpingtons! They are good layers, heavy and mellow birds

 

[Mountain trapper]

Buff Orpingtons! They are good layers, heavy and mellow birds

They also make good meat chickens, a real duel purpose breed.

 

[DWinCO]

I go with Buff Orpingtons. We have a couple Araucana's that are good but the rooster of that breed is not nice.

 

[Amish Heart]

They also make good meat chickens, a real duel purpose breed.

I figure if I don't get meat chickens, it's not a big deal because we have large breed chickens anyway like the Buffs

 

[Amish Heart]

Secondly, I'd recommend Jersey Giants. Great mellow birds and you can eat them, too. Decent layers.
Bad bird award would go to Rhode Island Red Roosters. They are mental.

 

[jazzy]

ive treid a couple different types over the years but alwasy go back to barred rocks. pretty good layers and not mean or uppity

 

[Pearl]

I don't have chickens, but just want to say that I love your avatar!!

 

[Peanut]

I buy ISA browns, tractor supply has them every spring. No fuss trying to order from hatcheries or picking them up at the post office. They are usually labeled pre-sexed layers. Just ask at the store. I stop on the way out of town after getting groceries. Just buy a few and bring them home anytime I wish.

They are a hybrid developed for european laying houses in the 70’s. They have a long track record and will out lay all the heritage breeds, over 300 eggs a year. They are also extremely gentle and will imprint on you quickly. Will think you’re their moma right away.

They are also on the small side, eat less feed but still lay very large eggs. Google "ISA browns", lot of people raise them and have a lot to say about them

 

[rice paddy daddy]

My wife has tried many different breeds over the last 30 years.
Some of her favorites are Buff Orpington, Araucana, Delaware, and Plymouth Barred Rock.

As far as Araucana roosters being difficult, that can happen with any breed. The one we have right now is a mellow fellow. There is no need to put up with mean roosters. I've had to dispatch several over the years.

For good information on the different breeds, go to https://www.backyardchickens.com
They even have a forum.