Jimbob Posted September 14, 2010 Share Posted September 14, 2010 I'm sorry if this question has been asked loads of times before. I've currently got x6 ducks (x2 muscovy, x1 campbell and x3 miniature silver appleyards). I'm planning on adding a couple of chickens to the fold. I've got x2 young children and I am after some advice on the most child friendly breeds. Eggs would be welcome too but the most important thing would be how friendly, docile, easy to tame/pick up they are. I have looked at the different breeds and narrowed it down to rhode island reds, new hampshire reds, australorps, gingernut ranger, miss pepperpot (not a very short shortlist). Or would any of the hybrids be the best bet. Also is it too late now for hatching eggs. Any advice would be greatfully received. Cheers, James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenNutter Posted September 14, 2010 Share Posted September 14, 2010 If you look on the breed section of the Omlet website it gives you a star rating for different breed's friendliness. I have two bantams and a Welsummer who are all friendly - but I think it is partly about how much you handle them from the start when they are young. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 If the children are very young I'd suggest a bantam breed. My four year old struggles to hold the large fowl, not that it stops her from trying though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue-DiamondChick07 Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 My little boy often was seen walking about with a Light Sussex in his arms but I'd say Bantams or Polands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 It is rather late in the season to be considering hatching eggs. Have a look in the Hatching and Raising Chicks section, there is plenty of advice there on the matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 I would vote for a Gingernut - had two and both so friendly and interested in everything that is going on. Nothing is safe!! Although appreciate it is down to handling and the nature of the individual bird! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabel Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 Our Orpington is a real dote but she is biiiiiig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 Silkies are friendly, fluffy and funny, but not too many eggs.Warrens are one of my favourites, but I think it's more down to the individual chicken rather than breed as to how friendly they are. My welsummer is the most timid of my chooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CallyChook Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 my polands are by far the friendliest birds I've ever had - and the hair do makes it much easier to sneak up on them for a cuddle. not that i have to - mine have been looking to me as "mummy" since hatching and now flock to my feet for a pick-up-and-fuss on sight. makes walking very difficult as they get underfoot all the time. wish my big ones would do that, a croad langshan cuddle is fab but he's not very keen!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted September 15, 2010 Share Posted September 15, 2010 Silkies are friendly, fluffy and funny, but not too many eggs. My Silkie and ones I've had previously have hated children and cuddles so I wouldn't recommend them as pets for small kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
