As much as you want to keep them together, some breeds do not get along. Are you looking for chickens that are good at laying eggs? Medium to large-sized birds that mature quickly are best for meat production; however, meat quality is also determined by the flavor and the tenderness of the meat. They are hardy and dual purpose birds donning a beautiful speckled feather pattern. I'm looking for the following: ~Small ~doesn't need a ton of attention ~doesn't need another chicken companion ~doesn't lay many eggs ~visibly attractive and fun ~calm ~doesn't try to poop all over everything This chicken is gentle and even-tempered, making it unlikely to startle or become aggressive around people. Final Verdict. They are naturally welcoming and can quickly hit it off with other breeds in the flock. The breed is available in different colors including white, brown, and speckled. The Brahma chickens are another gentle fluffy giant breed you should add to your mixed flock. One of the things that makes the Faverolle ideal for indoor living is its docile nature. The following breeds are considered good for meat: The Polish is a fancy breed recognized for their stunning crest of feathers on top of their heads. Free shipping for many products! Jersey Giant. 13. Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Considered one of the favorite breeds of all time, the Sussex is an easygoing and friendly bird. The Wyandotte chicken is a great choice for those looking to raise chickens indoors. What is the Best Chicken Breed for Beginners? They are naturally welcoming and can quickly hit it off with other breeds in the flock. Not only are they good egg producers but also, they provide quality meat. Welsummers are stocky chickens with a large upright tail. Free Postage. Letting them eat out of your hand helps make positive associations with you. These calm-natured birds enjoy being around their keepers but are also quite independent and tolerate confinement well. Good Feed: Provide a pelleted diet for your pet chicken. 1. What breed of chicken is the easiest to take care of? Salmon Faverolle has white or cream-colored breast speckles. Hens can lay between 60and 80 small eggs a year. These birds are usually mistaken for Rhode Island Reds, but when you look closely at them, theyre actually of a lighter shade of chestnut brown. 1. The largest of the best breeds for beginners, the Jersey Giant are definitely "gentle giants.". Hens lay 100 eggs a year with a cream colored eggshell. Their adaptable nature makes them a great choice for backyard coop for beginners. They are prized for their unique barred feather pattern that is seen in both hens and roosters. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Required fields are marked *. or maybe a yorkie. Instead, they will be content to perch on their roost or scratch in their coop. Iams Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care with Chicken Cat Food - 7 lb bag. However, they can stay in confinement if necessary. Keepers with small yards should steer clear of Leghorns and breeds that like to roam and free range as a lack of square footage may lead to stress and bullying. The Speckled Sussex is one of the oldest breeds having originated in Britain more than a century ago. Cage-free chickens can still withstand confinement within windowless sheds. Because chickens produce a lot of waste, its important to clean their enclosure often. Unlike some other chicken breeds, Silkies do not mind being confined to small spaces. They, The Cornish chicken is a strong and stocky bird that originally comes from England. They are sex linked which means that males and females can be identified by their coloring when they hatch. Here is the list of chicken breeds you can confine either full-time or part-time: Gracing the top of this list of best chicken breeds for confinement is Delaware. Chickens produce a lot of poop, and it can be stinky if not properly taken care of. They are superstar egg layers producing up to 300 eggs a year. This chicken also deserves a spot on this list of best chicken breeds for confinement because they can live through confinement very well, thanks to their patient and calm nature. If youre limited on space, smaller chickens such as Silkies are best. They tend to be curious yet flighty and should be gradually introduced to new animals and other chickens. EGG PRODUCTION: Two hundred to 300 light-brown eggs per year is not uncommon for this heavy egg . Best Chicken Breeds for Indoors: Is it OK to Keep Chicken Indoors? Just like any other pet, chickens need to be trained on how to behave properly indoors. Youll be surprised to discover that Cochins only lay about 180 medium brown eggs. Let's stay updated! 1 square foot per bird. 1. It can adapt well to small backyard spaces, stay productive, and thrive despite being confined. Tips for Raising and Mixing the Friendliest Chicken Breeds. This breed is a good meat bird providing ample flesh on the carcass. They are tall chickens with wide shoulders and a red single comb. In addition, Buff Orpingtons are good egg layers, producing up to 280 eggs per year. Lets look at the 4 main classes of chicken breeds with examples of fowl from that class: Youll also find that fowl are classed according to their variety, but this is considered a subdivision of the main breed class and includes features such as comb types, plumage colors, and eggs produced per year. They also make great mothers and raise youngsters well. ISA Brown. Barnevelders have black plumage but the hens have a distinct brown double laced feather pattern across the wings and tail. These adorable fluff balls will hatch any egg size and care for other fowl types. From the beginning, it gained popularity and continues to the present day. You can buy specially-made drinkers that prevent the chickens from falling into and drowning in them. Araucanas lay an average of 200 eggs every year with a unique blue color eggshell. They are typically brown in color with light golden plumage around the neck. This beautiful breed enjoys a free-ranging time, but theyre easy-going and can easily adapt to any backyard chicken space. Breeds that are best for meat are medium to large in size and have a fairly rapid growth rate. This is a friendly breed, often termed the "Golden Retriever" of chickens. They are also prolific egg layers, and their eggs are large and incredibly nutritious. These birds tend to be at or near the bottom of the pecking order because they are docile and gentle birds. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 3 LF Tolbunt + 3 LF Silver Laced Polish at the best online prices at eBay! Additionally, their eye-pleasing feathering can add a pop of color to your flock and brighten your yard. It was primarily bred for the broiler industry and enjoyed immense popularity in the Mid-East before the Cornish Rock cross dethroned it. In addition, Barbu DUccles chickens are relatively quiet, making them ideal for city living. This breed is native to Holland and has the most gorgeous glossy black feathers that have brown tips. As an Amazon Associate when you buy through links on our site, we earn from qualifying purchases. I don't like silkies. A single fox attack can send your flock into a frenzy, leaving them scared and at risk. What is the Best Chicken Breed for Beginners? We rounded up a few helpful tips on raising and taming friendly chickens: Related: The Top 10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds. In fact, those under intensive production are confined all day and night to protect them from thieves and predators. Leghorns are described as aerodynamic because of their slim shape. For one, they are relatively quiet compared to other breeds, so they wont make too much of a racket. Spend as much time with them as you can every day. Densely feathered with a broad and compact body shape, the Buff Orpington is easily identified by the golden feather color. They feature a striking variegated feathering. The Welsummer is a great egg layer providing 200 eggs per year. The ISA Brown is a humble chook. 5. They are excellent layers of eggs and make great candidates for raising indoors. Fortunately, weve made it easier by presenting a few things to consider before buying your next chicken. Their smallish, sleek bodies and large combs help them stay cool in extreme heat. Classified as a small to medium chicken breed, a Pearl Star Leghorn hen can weigh about 5 lbs. Light Brahma. Having raised backyard chickens of many breeds, from Brahmas to Leghorns, over the last 10 years, I discuss the top 25 breeds of chicken, including dual-purpose breeds, the best egg layers, friendly birds, and characteristics that you might be looking for in your next flock. Chickens need a place to sleep and lay their eggs, so make sure that their enclosure is big enough for them to move around comfortably. $58.00. Theyre low-maintenance and have a pleasing, friendly personality and good laying capabilities, making them ideal for beginners. Friendly, bold, and calm, they make good pets and lap chickens. Image Credit: Vasiliy Khimenko, Shutterstock. Their majestic air compels other breeds their utmost respect. Unfortunately, this breed is susceptible to bullying, so better keep an eye on them. Your email address will not be published. Be sure to have a plan for how youll clean up after your chickens before bringing them home. They can be kept with other birds of a similar nature. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Silkies are one of the most friendly chickens and are cuddly and sweet. They are intelligent, curious, and friendly but some birds can be shy and flighty. The 16 best chicken breeds for pets are Silkies, Plymouth Rocks, Speckled Sussex, Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Cochin . In order for your chicken-raising experience to be truly successful, its important that you take the time to bond with your chicken (or chickens). Jan 23, 2023. However, they tend to get broody sometimes, making them snappy and protective. Their beautiful plumage makes Faverolle stand out in the flock. document.write(CurrentYear) They enjoy getting treats from their keepers and do well both inside the coop and while foraging in the yard. Be sure they have a place where they can retreat, feel safe, and away from predators. Besides being fun, quirky, docile, and friendly, Polish chickens can behave well even in small areas. And they love talking with their humans, especially one-on-one, and are cuddly and adorable. What are the Most Popular Chicken Breeds? The sweet spot that I have found over the years of doing Marans is between $75 and $125 a dozen. The gentle giant of the poultry world, Brahmas are large birds with hens weighing 9 lbs and roosters reaching 11 lbs. The carcass offers a fair amount of meat with cockerels reaching 4 lbs by 16 weeks. 4 square feet per bird. 4. Its one of Americas oldest breeds and was the countrys main source of chicken meat and eggs during World War 2. These birds are generally healthy, hardy, and do well in a secure coop with some time to free range. Wyandottes are stunning birds that are popular among fanciers owing to their unique laced feather pattern. These chickens are favored for the sweet flavor and tenderness of their meat. Size: Comes in standard size (8 to 11 pounds) and bantam (28 to 32 ounces) Colors/patterns include: Solid colors, laced, mottled, partridge, and more. Easter Eggers are good foragers and can be trained to free-range indoors, which helps to keep your home clean and pest-free. Whether good layers for eggs or cold hardy birds for harsh winters, there are many different breeds to choose from when youre interested in keeping chickens. Well, don't fret, the truth is that there are a lot of really friendly chicken breeds to choose from and once you've read our guide, you'll be in the perfect position to buy the right one for your family. Bantams of this breed might also make good sometimes-indoor pets with constant supervision. Rhode Island Red. Please let us know in the comment section! Were wrapping up this list of best chicken breeds for confinement with one of the sweetest and calmest birds ever, the Barbu DUccles, a.k.a Belgian DUccles. Are you looking for egg layers, meat, birds, pets, or chickens that will do well to forage about the yard? Your email address will not be published. Jan 23, 2023. It was initially used as a production bird to provide Americans with meat and eggs during WWII. The Polish have a crested head of feathers that cascades over their eyes. Swedish Flower Hens are listed as endangered, Buff Orpington: Complete Care Guide & Profile, Chickens as Bio-Recyclers and Zero Waste Partners, Amberlink Chicken: Complete Breed Profile and Care Guide (2023), Floor For Chicken Coop: Guide To Choosing The Ideal Flooring, Jersey Giant Chicken: Complete Care Guide and Breed Profile, The Cornish Chicken: Breed Profile and Care Guide (2023), The Best Chicken Hatchery: A Guide to Buying Chicks Online, Best Egg Washer To Help You Clean Eggs Quick and Easy (2023), Best Animal Repellent to Protect Your Flock (2023) Guide, Best Chicken Starter Kit: All You Need to Raise Chicks. So if you're looking for chickens that'll make great pets this is a great option. Silkie chickens are arguably one of the most adorable breeds worth mentioning in this list of best chicken breeds for confinement. Their calm and gentle nature enables them to get accepted into the flock quickly without trouble, making them a great addition to your mixed flock for a backyard, homestead, or farm. Maybe finches/doves/canaries would be a better fit for OP. Jersey Giants are one of the friendliest breeds that can quickly get along with other breeds. These hens top the list for egg laying prowess, producing more than 300 eggs a year. Your email address will not be published. You might even see them following you around or running up to you. The Wyandotte is better known for its double laced feather pattern than its egg or meat qualities. Temperament: The Welsummer is friendly and easy to handle. Considered one of the favorite breeds of all time, the. They are also very quiet, so they will not disturb your peace and quiet. This heavily feathered breed has beards and muffs, making them look slightly like a toy. The last thing you want to witness is a nasty chicken fight in your backyard. Easter Eggers are small to medium in size and are available in colors from black and copper to brown and mottled. Never introduce new birds immediately to the flock to prevent exposing the existing ones to common poultry diseases. This chicken breed has a remarkable and unique physical featurethe crest on its head. Rabbit breeds come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities, which can make picking the right one overwhelming. They also make great foster mothers, even to small animals that look nothing like a chick. They are also very quiet, so they wont disturb your family or neighbors. But if you live in an urban area or simply dont have the space for a full-fledged coop and run, dont despair! Buff Orpington. Barnevelders are gentle and friendly chickens making them a good choice for children and beginner chicken keepers. This chicken breed enjoys free-ranging but can tolerate confinement very well. They are tall and heavyset birds, weighing more than the Brahma which is a very large chicken. Here are the top 15 chicken breeds to keep together for a mixed flock: Jersey Giants are large chicken breeds that can stand at 26 inches and weigh about 15 poundsbut do not get fooled by their size. These chickens lay a beautiful light blue egg color and up to 150 eggs per year. These birds are covered in soft, fluffy feathers, almost from head to toe! Conversely, if you live in a cold climate, then a larger bodied chicken with a smaller comb will do better. Our blogs and articles are updated regularly with many different important topics on care, purchasing tips, fun facts, and more. Be sure to do your research beforehand and take the necessary precautions (and find the right chicken breed!) It is important to remember that chickens that lay more than 250 eggs a year, such as the Rhode Islands, tend to lay less frequently by 2-3 years of age until they stop laying altogether. He likes being free-range and is considered a decent chicken for family coops. Next on the list of best chicken breeds for confinement is the King of Poultry, the Brahma chicken. let CurrentYear = new Date().getFullYear() They are excellent foragers who get much of their food from the garden, making them thrifty hens. You can find Marans in many different colors including red, golden cuckoo, and wheaten with the Black Copper Marans being the most popular. Another plus is that Sultan chickens are known for being low-maintenance, so you wont have to spend a lot of time caring for them. They provide ample meat as they are large dual purpose chickens. If youre new to raising chickens, how do you know which breed is right for your future flock? 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