Okay, you’ve made it. You’ve finally decided to start raising pet chickens. The fencing is up, and maybe you even have a coop of your own. Now, it’s all about going out and choosing your first chicks. But what are great chicken breeds for beginners? After all, not all chickens are the same, and some are easier than others for first-time raisers.
Let’s take a look at some of the best puppy hen breeds for those who are just starting, so you can make the best choice and enjoy your chicken journey! We’ll also tell you which weakling breeds you should stay away from until you get used to caring for a flock.
If you want a sweet and friendly pet chicken, there’s nothing better than the Buff Orpington, which is primarily the Golden Retriever of the chicken world. Fluffy and friendly, they are recognized for their calm demeanor, which makes them best for being around other creatures and even families with children.
They are also wonderfully suitable layers, easily providing a regular delivery of fairly large brown eggs. With these lovely birds, novices may find themselves at least a little too stressed out when it comes to their upbringing and care.
Plymouth Rocks are another great choice for first-time outdoor bird keepers. (See what we did there?) Friendly, curious, and quite neat in behavior, they can also be downright beautiful, with brilliant black and white striped feathers. Of course, we can’t forget to say that they are prolific producers, laying around 200-280 large brown eggs annually.
Able to withstand both cold and hot weather, these awesome boys can adapt to a variety of environments without needing to take extra precautions. Any other bonuses? Their friendly nature means they get along well with other chickens and even enjoy human interaction!
Do you want a real outdoor rockstar? Then you need Australorps! These black beauties lay up to 300 eggs (sure, you read that right). It’ll be a while before you run out of omelets. They’re also known for their gentle, friendly nature, so they can be great pets for families or to hang out with other backyard friends.
They can also be a little smaller than some of the other breeds on this list. Both males and females weigh just 4 kg. Australorps are also quite low-maintenance and able to adapt to specific climates and conditions. So, combine all of this – their docile nature, abundant egg laying, and short stature – and you’ve got a great choice for beginners.
Worst Chicken Breeds for Beginners
Leghorns
Now, let’s get straight to the pet chickens that are not perfect for beginners. First up are the Leghorns. They are the most egg-laying birds, although they are highly stressed and flighty. These birds are also more timid and difficult to handle, which can be difficult for a first-time chicken owner to get over. Leghorns will often run off in a flash, which means they need comfortable and well-fenced enclosures. You may end up chasing them more often than you can hold or pet them! And when you have other, more timid birds around, they may run after them. Overall, it’s best to avoid the headache of identifying this amateur chicken.
Rhode Island Reds
Rhode Island Reds are strong and productive, but they can also be quite mean especially the roosters. These birds are known to be dominant and sometimes even hostile towards other chickens. If they are not well controlled, they can become bullies within the flock. They are also large and can tear up your yard, whereas smaller, much less aggressive chickens will leave things almost alone. Rhode Island Reds are also known for their loud and rambunctious behavior, which may not be ideal for your close acquaintances.
Polish Chickens
Polish chickens are some of the most interesting-looking birds on this list, with their over-the-top feathery crests. But that same look can become a major drawback. These birds are often more delicate and require more care to keep their crests smooth and free of debris. Polish chickens are known to be more vulnerable to predators and have even been bullied and hunted by other birds because of their attentiveness. And while they are excellent egg-layers when they feel ‘fine’, they stop laying eggs during the winter months. So you may end up with no eggs during cold weather. Their timid and sometimes aloof personality 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 a huge difference for first-time chicken parents. Buff Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, and Australorps are great breeds that offer good habits, robust health, and reliable egg production. On the other hand, breeds like Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Varnish chickens may present more challenges than rewards for beginners. Fortunately, you can make things much easier for yourself by selecting the right breed for your desires. Keep your particular environment and landscape in mind before taking the plunge. Good luck, and happy clucking!