[SusieB]

I have previously only had ex-batts.  They have always been friendly, confident and followed me round when I'm gardening, sticking their beaks into everything.

I have recently got a one year old Wyandotte, who does eat out of my hand, but she is nervy and keeps herself to herself.

I need to get a couple more chucks.  I want them as friendly pets that don't mind being picked up.  Is it safer to stick to ex-batts?   

(I'm presuming, because they've been in cages, they've not quite worked out what/who they are scared off).
Any advices or experiences very welcome.  Thanks.

[SusieB]

The title should read 'normal'.

[8doubles]

Why not get some point of lay battery hens !

Warrens , Goldlines etc are normally docile from early on and you will get a couple more years out of them if you have them from new !

[SusieB]

That's an idea I hadn't thought of 8doubles.  Thanks.

[Honey65]

I've just added 2 speckledys and 2 bluebells (point of lay).  The Bluebells are beautiful and pretty friendly and fairly happy to be picked up as long as it leads to meal worms in the end.  The speckledy are huge and so soft but make a right noise when picked up!  Of my ex bats only 2 would tolerate being picked up anyway!

[Sassy]

As with everything there is good and bad to said for both. You can get friendly chooks, the right breed and handling can make a difference. Bear in mind that pure breeds are likely to live longer (often considerably) on the whole than hybrids who work hard laying like fury. It is down to personal choice. Also pure breeds lay eggs with bigger yolks

[andy46]

I have 4 warren hens bought from a farm and they have been really friendly and are excellent with children(they are not ex batts) 

[Prod]

I have a small group of Buff Orpingtons and they are extremely friendly and easy to manage, even the cockerels which I got when they were each about 6mths old. I have bred 4 hens this year so perhaps it is because I have handled them from hatching but the breed is known for being quiet. My broody hatched the four hens and two of them are about 8 weeks and I have put all three in with Billie, my one eyed BO cockerel. They actually sleep under his wings inside and outside the coop.