Feedback on breed selection for 1st timer

[Shoemacl]

Hi all, we are trying to finalize our chick selection and would love some input from the group. I've been doing some research, but we are first timers and the many breed options are overwhelming.

Most importantly, we are looking to select chickens that will be relatively docile and gentle with kids. I have a 4 and 6 year old with another on the way who will likely be very hands on them. Secondly, we have decided to raise from chicks and are ok with later egg production but ideally want to select a breed of decent layers once they're mature enough. We live in Maryland and can go from extreme summer heat to cold winters so hardiness is also top of the list. Our coop will be 8x16 total for the indoor portion and outdoor run.

Currently, I'm thinking about ordering 6 chicks. Top breeds that have interested me the most are Buff and Lavender Orpingtons and possibly a couple Easter Eggers. Do you think the good selection for us based off our desired characteristics? Are there any other breeds we should consider?

I'm aiming to have the chicks arrive around March 1 and plan to raise them indoors until about May 1 when they'll be moved into the coop. Is that an appropriate timeline?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Yes, I like your selection. My very first flock was 6 Rhode Island Reds. That was a huge mistake. The kids couldn't name them because they all looked the same, couldn't tell them apart. And eventually I couldn't believe they weren't roosters. They were so mean, pecked the kids legs and they wouldn't even go outside because of them. Disaster. So now, I only add friendly chickens, good egg layers, all different colored chickens and eggs. I prefer Buff and Lavender Orpingtons; Creme Legbar, Olive Egger, Easter Egger, Black Copper Maran's, Speckled Sussex. Great layers, different colors, friendly.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

I personally have Orpingtons, and they are extremely docile, and love attention from me. They are also pretty hardy in hot and cold weathers (from my experience), and are also relatively good egg-layers.

I dont have experience with the others, but i definitely recommend Orpingtons!

Just remember, its also to down to the individual birds personalities, so raising them to be used to human contact when they were chicks is also important.

 

[Noraaaaa]

Buff or lavender Orpingtons and Easter eggers are great pics! The timeline is great!

Other breeds you could look at if you decide against Easter eggers (you should keep Orpingtons bc they are amazing):

-sussex
-austrolorps
-polish
-silkies
-Wyandottes

 

[FowlProtector]

I recommend Turkens! They're very docile and friendly and love to follow people.

 

[townchicks]

Your timeline sounds fine. Your breed selection is not bad, but please understand that the generalizations about breeds do not always hold true. The one buff orp I have had was the flightiest chicken ever. Frankly, most chickens do not like to be held, as prey animals all of their instincts tell them that being grabbed and held is dangerous. Personally, I think that it is better to teach children to respect animals preferences and bodily autonomy, rather than try to choose ones that will " tolerate " handling. All of my hens will follow me around the yard, and most will eat from my hand, but I have only had one hen that I could pick up at will, and that was a RIR, one of the generally known as "mean" breeds.

 

[Noraaaaa]

Your timeline sounds fine. Your breed selection is not bad, but please understand that the generalizations about breeds do not always hold true. The one buff orp I have had was the flightiest chicken ever. Frankly, most chickens do not like to be held, as prey animals all of their instincts tell them that being grabbed and held is dangerous. Personally, I think that it is better to teach children to respect animals preferences and bodily autonomy, rather than try to choose ones that will " tolerate " handling. All of my hens will follow me around the yard, and most will eat from my hand, but I have only had one hen that I could pick up at will, and that was a RIR, one of the generally known as "mean" breeds.

I find that the more you hold them as chicks the more freindly they will be. I’ve had quite a few buff Orpingtons and they’ve all been super sweet. My poultry every day (I do show so I need to) even some “mean” breeds pretty quickly after they start to trust me.

 

[townchicks]

I find that the more you hold them as chicks the more freindly they will be. I’ve had quite a few buff Orpingtons and they’ve all been super sweet. My poultry every day (I do show so I need to) even some “mean” breeds pretty quickly after they start to trust me.

Generally, that is true. I did handle that buff daily, and she hated it every single time. Some birds are just different, which is my point.

 

[Noraaaaa]

Generally, that is true. I did handle that buff daily, and she hated it every single time. Some birds are just different, which is my point.

Ohhh okay! I thought you had just picked up a chick and hadent worked it sorry for the miscommunication!

 

[Wilhelm625]

We live in Northern Indiana where we have the same extreme weather. My 1st chicks were Gold Laced Wyandottes. They are hardy and the rose comb is less likely to get frost bite because it is tight to the head. I have always raised my birds from chicks. I think they are more tame the more you interact with them. The Orpingtons are also docile. I don't have much experience with Easter Eggers. I will say the Sussex have been the most friendly of all the breeds I have had. You can read a lot about cold and heat tolerance as well as size, color, and number of eggs produced by each breed on line. I think your timeliness is fine.