Bex01 Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Hi there, I'm new to this forum. We bought a second hand Rabbit Eglu and today the chicken conversion kit arrived, hurray!! Now I'm hoping for some advise. We have a 3 year old who is very excited about having chickens in the garden, but he can be a little nervous. We already have a very placcid cat and they are fine together, in fact it has taught my son how best to behave around animals, but we've just returned from our summer holiday on a farm where my son was completely freaked out by the over zealous ducks (who must have thought he had bread in his pockets or something!) Are there any hens known to have good temperments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 I would say given your son, Pekins. They are slower moving as they have feathered feet and are quite happy to be picked up and cuddled. My son has Pekins and they are happy to nod off in his lap. They won't trash your garden either, but they lay small eggs and do go broody a lot, however they have lovely temperaments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Any of the gInger hybrids, such as Warrens are friendly, and suitable for children. I would avoid White Stars, as although they are beautiful and lay gorgeous white eggs, they are very skittish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodcat Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 i'd second the suggestion of pekins. They are that bit smaller than hybrids and a tad less intimidating. My cousins kid came over when she was about 2 and a half and whilst she'd talk to the pekins she found the hybrids and my other girls too big and rather scary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 I'd say Pekins too, they are small enough to be easily picked up and frizzle pekins especially are a big hit with kids. Every child that visits here gravitates towards the Pekins who all get big hugs Pekins are slightly higher maintenance because of their feathery feet Heavy breed bantams are also a good bet, Wyandottes are nice placid laid back and hardy as are Sussex, Plymouth Rocks and orpingtons Silkies are another option, like the Pekins they need a litte more care To be honest apart from the 'light' breeds which can be skittish most hens wouldbe suitable if handled a lot, try to get them from a small scale breeder who will have been very hands on with them so that they are already calm when your child meets them for the first time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum-2-olly Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 i have a little boy that is 2 1/2 and we have just got our 4 girls 3 weeks ago, we have a miss pepperpot, warren, bluebelle and amber links, out of the 4 the warren is vvv friendly but the nicest (and our fave!!!! shock horror!) is the amber links who we call baby! on the first day she let my little boy pick her up and will come for a cuddle, they are a nice placid addition to any flock and family hope that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy chick Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 pekins, but I'm biased! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Kitty Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Sussex bantams! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindafw Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 I have Orpington, Dorkings, Dolands and Aracunas BUT my one and only Buff Sussex is the only one to have ventured into the house via the patio doors...she truly is that friendly...so my recommendation is Sussex all the way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 or hungry They sound interesting do we get pictures? Is the Dorland a dorking poland cross or something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindafw Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 picture ??? umm...technical know how needed...will talk to son 1, 2 or 3!! Dorkings are a breed...can be traced back to the Romans but as to whether they arrived with them or were found here I don't know. They have an extra toe, 5 instead of 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindafw Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Ladies sudden thought there are some pics on my facebook. You are welcome to friend me. Linda Fitch-Wilkie. Perhaps put Omlet in the message Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 I'd echo was Egluntyne said about ginger hybrids, amongst our first chickens were a Goldstar and Cotswold Blacktail and they are very friendly. We have a frizzle Pekin who loves cuddles and she is child-sized. My Polands adore children too but they're harder work to look after. I think because they can't see small children coming they're easier to pick up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bex01 Posted June 25, 2011 Author Share Posted June 25, 2011 Hi all, Thanks so much for the recommendations. The family and I went out locally to check out hen availability. I'm even more confused now! The ones that seem to be on offer are the Goldline, black rock and rhode sussex hybrids (are hybrids more hardy??) I think we're looking for a medium size rather than a bantum. Any thoughts? These are all POL would I be better looking for younger birds, and if so where should I start looking??? My son had a great time, so I'm less concerned about him, I think he'll adjust!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 What about some ex batts, you'll be helping them have a happy retirement and they are pretty placid. We've only had ex batts, so can't compare, but I'm sure others have said the same. We do get eggs too, but consider these a bonus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Getting them at point of lay is ideal as they're big enough to not require any special care and should, with luck, lay within a few weeks of you getting them . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 All of ours are good with our 4 year old (breeds below)! Our white star started off a bit flighty but very soon settled down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 Hi, i have 3 children under 5 and of all my hens my exbatts are the friendliest! The pekins come a close second and are also very tolerant of the little ones. I am sure whatever you go for will be perfect for your little one. Its amazing how easily hens can be won over when food and treats are on offer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 Bluebelle hybrids. They're lovely, lay reliably and are very happy to be cuddled and are incredibly friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
