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5 Best Pet Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard

5 Best Pet Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard

Most people are not all that concerned about the egg or meat production of their chickens. While a nice side effect, the main concerns are : how docile and friendly is the breed? can my children get along with them ? and how about the other pets I already have?

In general, most chickens can make good pets but for the case of children it is important to pick some of the very gentle breeds that do not mind the kids touching them. You might as well stay away from roosters as well, once their hormones kick in they will get territorial and having children around them might not be a good idea.

There are some breeds though that are not flighty and don't miff to be handled by children or humans in general.

Australorp
Australorps are the Australian take on the Orpington breed. They are calm and friendly, and excellent layers of light brown eggs. The Australorp's exceptionally soft, shiny black plumage has hints of green and purple in the sunlight. Peaceful and dignified, Australorps are an absolutely delightful bird which we highly recommend to anyone who wants a pet chicken that lays dependably.

Brahma
Brahmas are gentle giants with feathered legs and feet and profuse, fluffy feathering. Originally from India, these birds were bred for meat production, though the hens lay relatively decently and are great setters and mothers. This fancy breed of chicken makes a great pet for its quiet and tame nature, tolerance to the cold, huggability and sheer chic-ness!

Cochin
Cochins are known the world over for being big friendly balls of fluff and feathers. They don't lay well but are very popular because of their sweet personality and fantastic mothering qualities. Cochins became famous in the 1800s when this Chinese breed was given as a gift to Queen Victoria of England, who absolutely adored them

Delaware
The Delaware is a relatively new breed of chicken, having only been developed in 1940. They're a cross between New Hampshire Reds and Barred Plymouth Rocks with the goal of maintaining the prolific egg production of these two breeds but increased meat value. They're a lovely, calm white breed with black feathers around the neck and the tip of the tail, and with some black striations also working their way into the back.

Easter Eggers
Easter Eggers vary widely in color and conformation, and are exceptionally friendly and hardy. Since they are usually quite friendly to children and humans in general, they are a great choice for a family flock. Most hatcheries mistakenly label their Easter Eggers as Ameraucanas or Araucanas (or various misspellings thereof).