[dianehj]

Hi All, Just registered so hi to all.
I am very new at this so like others may ask basic questions.
First question is which bird?
I have my coop set up but am wondering what the best bird is for me?  I have no experience and I also have a 2.5yr old so I need birds that are child friendly. I have had mixed messages from breeders. Some say go for a smaller bird as its easier to hold, others say it does not matter, the bird will become tame over time, the more they are handled.
Do I go for smaller to start with and if so can I introduce larger ones later ......

x

[andreadon]

the tamest birds are hybrids such as Silverlinks (also known as Amberlinks) or Bovans Nera.

Big ones aren't a problem, but make sure you handle them lotswhen you first get them, from the first day, or  they will run away from you.

You could also do ex-batts as they are very affectionate, but they might upset your 2.5yo  with their scraggly feathers (or lack of)

[helens-hens]

Many hybrids are hardy, docile and friendly (though some are more flighty than others).

Ex batts are all very deserving of a good home but will be a challenge if you haven't kept hens before as they are prone to health issues.

I would be wary of keeping hens of different sizes together as you may find the smaller ones get picked on. Much also depends on how much space you have e.g. will they be able to free range or will they be kept in a run - some breeds of hen are happier to be confined than others. Similarly some are better flyers than others which may be an issue with your neighbours!

Many of the hybrids have been bred with egg laying performance in mind. They can produce a very large number of eggs in their first year to 18 months but that can then tail off quite rapidly. They also tend not to be so long lived.

I started off with, and still have, 2 rhode rock cross hybrid hens. I love them to bits but as they start to approach their 2nd year they are both developing egg laying problems. When I get more I think I will opt for one of the pure breds which may not have that initial egg output but that will lay for a longer period.

If you go to the omlet website they have quite a useful section on the various breeds which you may find helpful:

http://www.omlet.co.uk/breeds/breeds.php?breed_type=Chickens

I am sure you will get lots of messages from others with their opinions and preferences.

Hope this helps and good luck

[JaK]

We love our pure breeds and chose breeds that were calm, friendly, wern't flighty in any way and wouldn't mind the children giving them a cuddle. We went for large breeds such as the orpingtons (soooo soft), Brahmas and Faverolles. They are all fantastic with my children who are aged 3 and 6.

[Laraine]

We have little Pekin Bantams, and the girls are dainty, most of them are friendly and all come to call, but we do have one skittish flighty one who squarks for no good reason when she feels like, all the others come running when she does! Even the boy 

[Lindeggs]

dianehj, firstly welcome to the forums and the exciting life of a chicken-keeper! 

Secondly, have you considered a small breed of chicken called a 'silkie'.  They won't lay many eggs but are a soft, fluffy, generally docile breed that is ideal as a family pet.

My first ever pet when I was a pre-schooler was a bantam named Snowy.  She wasn't a silkie (I don't think they had been invented yet  ) but she was a darling wee bird who tolerated my clumsy handling, and scooted out of my way very quickly when she didn't want a cuddle.

When I was considering keeping chickens as an adult my dear hubby wasn't keen on the idea.  Then we went and met some Silkies belonging to a friend's mother and suddenly he was won over!

Photo from Wikipedia:

[Anndee]

Have to say I'm a sucker for Pekin bantams with their feathery legs and they're an ideal size for toddlers and friendly.

[francais]

I started off with two "normal" size hybrids (cost at first pushed me towards hybrids), but I now have a mix of hybrids & pure breeds / LF (large fowl) and banties plus one tiny silver dutch bantam (we are talking tiny here!)

My wyndotte girls have always been super friendly, but so has the LF ISA

Like others have said I found the hybrids to be the hardiest (ideal if you are just starting out). As with any pet though, it about getting the basisc right first I found, good sized, safe house, quality food for the right stage of development, clean conditions and good outdoor area/s for them.

Enjoy them - I know ours was one of the best choices we made!

[storme37]

hybrids are the most likely to be friendly from day 1 this includes ex batts