Backyard Fowl Keepers

I’m completely new to keeping chickens, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the choices. There are so many breeds out there, and I don’t know which ones would be best for me. I’m looking for chickens that are good layers, friendly, and easy to care for since this will be my first time.

Are there specific breeds you’d recommend for beginners? Should I stick to one breed or mix a few? Also, how many chickens should I start with if I have a small backyard?

Any advice would be really appreciated! Thanks in advance!

For a beginner, I’d recommend starting with hardy, easy-going breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, or Buff Orpingtons. They’re great egg layers and very friendly, so they’re perfect for someone just starting out.

If you’re unsure about how many to get, I’d say 4-6 hens is a manageable number for a small backyard. It’s enough to give you plenty of eggs without being overwhelming. Mixing breeds is fine as long as they have similar temperaments. Good luck, and enjoy your new flock!

Hi there! Choosing your first flock can be exciting and a little daunting, but you’re off to a great start by asking questions. If egg production is a priority, consider breeds like Leghorns, Golden Comets, or Plymouth Rocks, they’re reliable layers.

I started with a mixed flock, and it was fun seeing the different personalities and feather colors. Just be sure your coop and run have enough space for the number of chickens you decide to get (about 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run). Chickens can be addictive, so you might want to start small and expand later!

Welcome! For a beginner, I recommend docile breeds like Silkies or Cochins if you want friendly chickens, especially if kids will be involved. If you’re mostly after eggs, try Sex-links or Sussex, they’re fantastic layers.

One tip is to check what breeds are popular in your area, as they’ll likely do well in your climate. And don’t forget to plan for predator protection before your flock arrives. A secure coop and run will save you a lot of heartache later. Have fun picking your birds. It’s one of the best parts of chicken keeping!

Wow, I’m so grateful for all the responses! You’ve given me so much to think about, and I feel a lot more confident about choosing my first flock now. I’m leaning toward starting with 4-5 hens and maybe mixing a couple of breeds to see how I like it.

HappyHens wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2025 7:07 am I’m completely new to keeping chickens, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the choices. There are so many breeds out there, and I don’t know which ones would be best for me. I’m looking for chickens that are good layers, friendly, and easy to care for since this will be my first time.

Are there specific breeds you’d recommend for beginners? Should I stick to one breed or mix a few? Also, how many chickens should I start with if I have a small backyard?

Any advice would be really appreciated! Thanks in advance!

For beginners, I recommend Buff Orpingtons or Rhode Island Reds.
They’re great layers, super friendly, and hardy.
Starting with 4-6 hens is a good number for a small backyard
Just make sure you have enough space in your coop!

Picking your first chicken breeds is such a fun step! For beginners, I highly recommend Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, and Australorps. Buff Orpingtons are often called the “Golden Retrievers” of chickens because they’re so friendly and laid-back. Barred Rocks and Australorps are also calm and reliable egg layers, making them beginner-friendly.

If you’re worried about variety, you can definitely mix a few breeds! Just make sure they have similar temperaments so there aren’t any bullies in the flock. A colorful mix of hens can also help you identify who’s who more easily.

For a small backyard, start with 4-6 hens. They’ll provide plenty of eggs without overwhelming you, and they’ll have enough space to roam comfortably. Keep in mind that each chicken needs about 4 square feet in the coop and 8-10 square feet in the run.

Lastly, think about your local weather. If you live in a colder area, breeds like Wyandottes or Brahmas are cold-hardy, while Leghorns and Andalusians do better in warm climates. Take your time deciding, it’s worth putting thought into it since these little ladies will be part of your life for years to come. Welcome to the chicken-keeping world!