Whether you are rural or urban backyard chickens are becoming more and more popular. They are a fun pet to have with children, and can be a great tool to teach them responsibility. You don’t need as much space as you would think, and some can be as friendly and loving as dogs. Not only will you get delicious fresh eggs daily, but if you find the right breed you could find a great companion. We have had many breeds over the years, here are a couple of our favorites.
Orpington
We have had Buff Orpington’s in our flock for a while, and they are beautiful golden feather birds. They are on the larger side and will definitely catch your eye and can come in a range of colors. They are very calm and not as flighty as other breeds, because of this we have found them easier to tame. Orpington’s are good layers and will give you large light brown eggs.
Marans
Marans are another bird that can come in many colors. Personally we have the Cuckoo Marans, which is a black and white speckled chicken. They are on the larger size, and are a fun bird to watch strut around the yard. We have found them to be on the quieter side, which is a plus if your yard is on the smaller side. They will be less likely to annoy your neighbors, but if they do you can always make it up to them with a basket full of eggs. Marans produce large dark brown eggs, we refer to them as chocolate eggs they are that dark. They are more docile by nature and if handled from a young age can be very content while being handled.
Silkies
Silkies catch the attention of everyone that comes to visit our little homestead. They are unique in appearance, looking fluffier and have a little ball of feathers on the top of their heads. Being on the smaller side makes them the perfect size for children to hold. You can also get Silkies in a few different colors and varieties. Egg production is a lot lower than the other birds mentioned. Along with the benefit of their size they are also very friendly and easy to train.
Delaware
These birds are a very pretty, they are white with a few black streaks on the tail and around the head. They are a newer breed, and are harder to find than some. Delaware’s are not broody at all, they are not the breed for you if you want them to hatch eggs. They are good layers and will produce large brown eggs. Being a calmer bird they can be handled very easily, and trained to enjoy it if stared from a young age. We are very excited to be adding some to our flock this year.
No matter what breed or breeds that you decide to start with, the most important thing is to have fun. Take the time to hold and tame your chicks and by the time they are grown you will a loving new part of the family.
I had absolutely NEVER considered a chicken as a pet. I’m intrigued.
I have plenty of chickens in my yard they belong to my neighbor and they eat a lot of bugs I like them
I’ve had friends, have chickens as friends. My best choice is the Marans because their color blends in, white, grey, black.
My wife would kill me if I brought a chicken home
Chickens and chicks are a perfect family serving a purpose in life for us and themselves.
It’s wise for them to enjoy their own environment.
Awesome Silkies 😍
My mother had two pet chickens, they followed her around like they were dogs. She had a couple of dogs so maybe the chickens actually thought they were dogs, but it was funny to watch them…..
I have several chickens we like the eggs. They are free range so I don’t buy chicken feed. They are easy pets and my kids love them. I like having fresh eggs for cooking. In the winter they quit laying eggs if it gets too cold, we give them scraps sometimes. Most of mine are black now, I don’t know what breed they are but they lay brown eggs.
I started out with Road Iland Reds. Now I buy what ever Co-op has.
The best pet I ever had, was my lil Dorking Bantam rooster. Dale would ride on my shoulder, give me kisses on the cheek, and hunt worms for me all day- so we (yes, the rooster and me) could go fishing. I miss my Dale a lot.
Chickens I believe can be great pets.
My little pink chick friend I sill remember after all these years
Who needs cats or dogs, when chickens make great pets! Also supply our breakfast. Lets see dogs or cats do that!
I have 3 dogs so chickens aren’t feasable
on my bed was my chicken, lab, pit bull, and a cat all slept on the bed. when i was at work.
The Silkies makes for the most conversation because most people have not seen this breed. I have had a Delaware that made a great pet for the kids, it listen very well to the kids and went in and out on command.
Each of these breeds of chickens give healthy eggs, and they are easy to train, so to choose between them would be difficult. Chickens are intelligent animals and some people love having them as pets too.
Deleware hood laying chickens
I would choose the Marans looks cool lol
I like all types of chickens, we had them when i was a child. Those silkies sure are pretty.
I like all types of chickens, we had them when i was a child. Those silkies sure are pretty.
I love chickens. Had 5 all had names would come when I called . I would take a lawn chair into the pen and they would sit on my lap. There favorite snack was crickets they knew the container and would do anything I ask for a cricket.