The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

If you're considering starting your own backyard chicken adventure but haven't taken the leap yet, this is the right place. Whether you're curious about different breeds, figuring out how and when to start, or just have questions, this is the spot to learn and share all the fun and important insights before you welcome your feathered friends!
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GerryGrit
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The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by GerryGrit »

Im finally ready to start my own small backyard flock, but Im stuck on which breed to choose! Theres so much info out there, but Id love to hear from real chicken keepers.

I want a friendly, people-loving chickenegg production is a nice bonus, but not my main concern. And no, these birds wont be dinner!

Ive heard Brahmas and Speckled Sussex are great, but I also need something city-friendly. Bantams sound ideal, but are they all flighty? I want a chicken that enjoys being around me.

What breeds do you recommend?
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FeatherAlchemy
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by FeatherAlchemy »

If you're set on bantams, consider Silkies, Sebrights, or Cochin Bantams. They're often more docile than breeds like Dutch or Old English Game Bantams. Silkies, in particular, are known for their sweet nature, while Cochin Bantams have a fluffy, round appearance and love human interaction. Sebrights are friendly but a bit more active.
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BeakyBandit
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by BeakyBandit »

If you want fun and quirky, Polish chickens might be a great choice! They're friendly and hilarious to watch, but their crest can make them a bit skittish.
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FeatheredFriend
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by FeatheredFriend »

One thing to consider is the noise level,some chatty breeds, like Polish or Leghorns, might not be the best for a city backyard. Even friendly birds can have louder personalities, so if quiet is important, stick to breeds known for their calm demeanor, like Brahmas, Orpingtons, or Silkies.
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RoosterRambler
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by RoosterRambler »

Bantams can be flighty, but some breeds like Cochin Bantams are very docile. If you want small and friendly, they're a great choice!
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TheBarnyardBoss
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by TheBarnyardBoss »

Sussex, Orpingtons, and Cochins all love human interaction. They'll follow you around and enjoy being picked up, making them great backyard pets!
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WattleScribe
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by WattleScribe »

Silkies might be perfect for you! They're small, super friendly, and love attention. Plus, they don't fly much, so they're easy to keep in a backyard.
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RusticFowlman
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by RusticFowlman »

GerryGrit wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 5:28 pm Im finally ready to start my own small backyard flock, but Im stuck on which breed to choose! Theres so much info out there, but Id love to hear from real chicken keepers.

I want a friendly, people-loving chickenegg production is a nice bonus, but not my main concern. And no, these birds wont be dinner!

Ive heard Brahmas and Speckled Sussex are great, but I also need something city-friendly. Bantams sound ideal, but are they all flighty? I want a chicken that enjoys being around me.

What breeds do you recommend?


Silkies are great cuddle birds, but they aren't the best layers. If you want eggs, a docile standard breed like an Australorp might be a better choice.
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PluckyPeep
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by PluckyPeep »

Bantam Cochins and Silkies are both small, sweet, and perfect for a backyard. They love attention and don't tend to fly over fences.
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BroodMistress
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Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!

Post by BroodMistress »

Brahmas are an excellent option if you don't mind a slightly larger bird. They're super calm and friendly, making them great backyard companions. While they do get big, their gentle nature makes them easy to handle, and they're not as flighty as some bantams. Plus, their feathered feet add extra charm!
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