The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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?
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 - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
- Location: Villavicencio, Colombia
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Hatchling
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:28 pm
- Location: Campeche, Mexico
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Hatchling
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2025 4:36 pm
- Location: Hamilton, Canada
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:31 pm
- Location: Xiamen, China
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Eggling
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:43 pm
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Hatchling
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:54 pm
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Eggling
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:31 pm
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Hatchling
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:43 pm
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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 - Chick Keeper
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:28 pm
- Location: Can Tho, Vietnam
Re: The Perfect Backyard Chicken Help Me Decide!
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!