Alright, you’ve done it. You’ve finally made the decision to start raising pet chickens. A fence has gone up, and maybe you’ve got yourself a coop. Now, it’s all about heading out and picking up your first chicks. But what are the best chicken breeds for beginners? After all, not all chickens are created equal, and some are easier than others for first-timers.
Let’s take a look at some of the best pet chicken breeds for those just starting out, so you can make the best decision and enjoy your poultry adventure right from the get-go! We’ll also tell you which chicken breeds to steer clear of until you get the hang of tending to a flock.
The best chicken breeds for beginners
Buff Orpingtons
If you want a cute and friendly pet chicken, look no further than the Buff Orpington, which is essentially the Golden Retriever of the chicken world. Fluffy and friendly, they are known for their calm demeanor, which makes them perfect for being around other critters and even families with kids. They’re also super good layers, easily providing a steady supply of fairly large brown eggs. With these sweet birds, beginners will have at least a little less stress when it comes to their raising and care.
Barred Plymouth Rocks
Plymouth Rocks are another really great option for first-time backyard chicken tenders. (See what we did there?)
Friendly, curious, and pretty easy to handle, they’re also simply stunning, with gorgeous black-and-white striped feathers. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the fact that they’re prolific producers, laying about 200-280 large brown eggs annually. Able to handle both cold and hot weather, these bad boys can adapt to different environments without taking extra precautions. Another bonus? Their sociable nature means they get along well with other chickens and even enjoy human interaction! So, if you’ve ever dreamed of cuddling a chicken, get yourself one of these fancy cluckers.
Australorps
Want to get a real backyard rockstar? Then you’ll want an Australorps! These black beauties produce up to 300 eggs (yes, you read that right). It’ll be a long time before you even come close to running out of omelets. They’re also known for their gentle, friendly nature, so they can be great pets for families or when hanging out with other backyard buddies. They’re also a bit smaller than some of the other breeds on this list. Both males and females top out at only four pounds. Australorps are also pretty low-maintenance and capable of adapting to different climates and conditions. So, take all of that combined – their docile nature, prolific egg-laying, and smaller size – and you’ve got a top choice for beginners.
The worst chicken breeds for beginners
1. Leghorns
Now, on to pet chickens who aren’t quite so good for beginners. First up are Leghorns. They’re good egg layers, but they’re pretty high-strung and quite flighty. These birds are more skittish and difficult to handle, which, for someone who wants to be a first-time chicken keeper, can be a hard thing to overcome. Leghorns will also often take off at a moment’s notice, meaning they need secure and well-fenced-in enclosures. You might chase them around more often than you can hold or cuddle them! Not to mention if you have other, more timid birds, they might go after them. All in all, it might just be best to skip this novice poultry parent headache.
2. Rhode Island Reds
Rhode Island Reds are hardy and productive, but they can be pretty mean, especially the roosters. These birds are known for being dominant and sometimes even hostile toward other chickens. If not managed properly, they can become bullies within the flock. They’re also on the bigger side and can tear up your yard, whereas smaller, less aggressive chickens will leave things more or less alone. Rhode Island Reds are also known for their loud and boisterous behavior, which might not be ideal if you have close neighbors.
3. Polish Chickens
Polish chickens are some of the most interesting-looking birds on this list, thanks to their over-the-top feathered crests. But that same appearance becomes a huge drawback. These birds are often more delicate and require extra care to keep their crests clean and free from debris. Polish chickens are also known for being more prone to predators and even getting bullied and picked at by other birds due to their limited vision. And while they’re decent egg layers when they’re feeling ‘good,’ they tend to turn down the laying in winter months. So you might be left without eggs in colder weather. Their skittish and sometimes aloof personalities can make them difficult to handle, especially for beginners looking for a more interactive pet.
Choosing the right chicken breed
Choosing the right chicken breed can make all the difference for first-time poultry pet parents. Buff Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, and Australorps are excellent choices that offer friendly dispositions, robust health, and reliable egg production. On the flip side, breeds like Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Polish chickens may present more challenges than rewards for beginners. Luckily, you can make things SO much easier for yourself by picking the right breed for your needs. Consider your specific environment and situation before taking the plunge. Good luck, and happy clucking!
