The 4 Best Chickens For Beginners Becs Backyard

Have you been thinking about becoming a chicken parent for a while but not quite sure where to start or even what chicken breed to look at? In this post we look at four of the Best Chickens For Beginners.

Table of Contents: Show

Did you know that the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a domesticated junglefowl species? A few thousand years, no one can be sure when, the wild junglefowl became domesticated and became the ancestors to the birds you see nowadays. Through their domestication they have been breed for specific uses, such as better meat quantity or laying more eggs.

There are many different breeds of chickens that are well-suited for beginners. Some good options include:

Buff Orpingtons

These chickens are large stately looking birds who are gentle and easy to handle. Their their gold plumage makes them an attractive looking bird who can also withstand cold winters.

Size: Large

Temperament: Gentle

Egg Laying Ability: Very Good

Meat Bird: Yes

Climate Tolerance: Cold Weather Tolerant

Rhode Island Reds

These chickens are duel purpose birds, they are egg laying machines that are also good for meat. They are generally easy to care for and handle, making them a good choice for beginners..

Size: Extra Large

Temperament: Okay

Egg Laying Ability: Excellent

Meat Bird: Yes

Climate Tolerance: Cold Weather Tolerant, okay in heat

Leghorns

These chickens popular for their uniform white eggs – they are one of the best white egg layers. Their resistance to disease is great and they are efficient with feed to egg ratio.

Size: Medium

Temperament: Can be grumpy

Egg Laying Ability: Excellent

Meat Bird: yes

Climate Tolerance: Cold Weather Tolerant, good heat tolerance

Australorps

These chickens are known for their high egg production and are relatively small, so they don’t require a lot of space. They are also relatively easy to care for.

Size: Large

Temperament: Gentle

Egg Laying Ability: Very Good

Meat Bird: Yes

Climate Tolerance: Great Cold Weather, tolerates heat

How important is climate when choosing a breed?

Climate is an important factor to consider when choosing a chicken breed, as some breeds are better suited for certain climates than others. For example, breeds that are suited to cold weather, such as the Plymouth Rock or Wyandotte, may not do well in hot, humid climates. Similarly, breeds that are well-suited to hot, arid climates, such as the Leghorn or Ancona, may not thrive in cold, damp environments. It’s important to choose a breed that is well-adapted to the climate in which you live.

What breeds are good for families with children?

There are several breeds that are known for their friendly and docile personalities, making them good choices for families with children. Some popular breeds for families include the Buff Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, and Sussex. However, it’s important to remember that individual chickens can have different personalities, so it’s important to handle them regularly and choose breeds that are known for their friendly temperament.

What is the difference between a heavy breed and a lightweight breed?

The main difference between heavy and lightweight breeds is their size and weight. Heavy breeds are larger and generally weigh more than lightweight breeds. They are often raised for meat production, while lightweight breeds are commonly used for egg production. Heavy breeds also tend to be more docile and calm, while lightweight breeds can be more active and flighty.

What breeds are best for egg production?

There are several breeds that are known for their egg-laying abilities, including Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Sussex, and Plymouth Rocks. These breeds are known to lay a high number of eggs per year and are often used in commercial egg production. However, it’s important to note that individual hens may vary in their egg-laying abilities, so it’s best to do some research and talk to other chicken owners before selecting a breed based solely on egg production.

Once you have made your decision on the breed of chicken you can get some additional tips and tricks from our other blog posts.