Backyard chickens are becoming increasingly popular among people who want to have their own source of fresh eggs and meat. Keeping chickens is also a great way to control pests, as well as add natural fertilizer to your garden or flower beds. For beginners, it’s important to consider an easy breed to start with, such as Rhode Island Reds or Orpingtons. These breeds are hardy and known for being docile, so they make a great choice for those just getting started. Plus, they lay a good amount of eggs and make excellent pets. In this article, we’ll break down the best chickens for beginners and what you should consider when purchasing chickens.
The best chickens for beginners
Beginner chicken keepers should consider a few important factors when getting started. Always research the different breeds of chickens and determine which type best suits their needs and lifestyle. Different breeds have different temperaments, egg production, and other characteristics that may be important to consider. Chicken keepers should consider the cost of housing and raising chickens. The cost of housing, feed, and other supplies can add up quickly, so it is important to plan ahead.
Chicken keepers should also investigate local laws and regulations regarding keeping chickens. Some municipalities may have restrictions on the number of chickens allowed, the size of the coop, and other regulations that must be followed.
Finally, beginner chicken keepers should also consider how to best care for their chickens. Chickens need a safe, clean environment and proper nutrition to stay healthy. They also need regular veterinary care and should be vaccinated against common diseases. By considering these factors, beginner chicken keepers can be sure they are ready to properly care for their chickens. These are some things I look for in easy breeds:
- Hardiness: Look for breeds known to be hardy and able to withstand different climates and weather conditions.
- Temperament: Choose a breed known for its calm and docile temperament.
- Disease Resistance: Look for breeds that are known to be resistant to common poultry diseases such as Marek’s Disease and Avian Influenza.
- Egg Production: Consider a breed that lays a large number of eggs and has a good feed conversion ratio.
- Size: Choose a breed that is not too large, as this can make it difficult to handle and care for.
Below is a list of 6 easy breeds to keep that I have personally raised and recommend for newbie chicken keepers.
Buff Orpingtons
Buff Orpington chickens are a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers and a great chicken for beginners. They are a breed of dual-purpose chicken, meaning they are good for both meat and eggs. These chickens are known for their friendly, docile personalities and their gorgeous golden-brown feathers. Buff Orpington chickens are also known for their hardy constitution and ability to withstand cold temperatures. On average, Buff Orpingtons will lay around 250-280 eggs each year – a generous amount for a backyard flock. They are also great mothers and will go broody on occasion, meaning they will attempt to hatch eggs.
Novogens
Novogen chickens are a hybrid breed of chicken that are becoming increasingly popular with backyard chicken keepers due to their excellent egg-laying abilities. Novogen chickens are able to lay an average of 300 to 350 eggs per year, making them one of the most productive egg layers out there. The eggs they lay are large in size and brown in color, which is why they are so popular. They are also a hardy breed, capable of withstanding colder temperatures and handling the occasional predator. Novogen chickens are a great choice for those who want a reliable source of fresh eggs.
Welsummers
Welsummer chickens are maybe my favorite type of chicken due to their distinctive speckled, mahogany-colored feathers and large, upright combs. They are stunning chickens and excellent foragers, which saves money on feed. This breed is known for its docile, friendly temperament. Welsummer chickens are also one of the best egg layers, with many chickens producing over 200 eggs per year! The eggs themselves are a deep, dark brown color and are known for their rich, creamy flavor. Welsummer chickens can also be used for meat production.
Wyandottes
Wyandotte chickens are another breed of chicken that is great for beginners. I have a small flock of golden laced Wyandotte chickens at the moment. They’re great! They are hardy and easy to care for, and have an average size of up to 8 pounds. Wyandottes lay an average of 200-240 eggs per year, making them an excellent choice for egg production. In addition to their prolific egg-laying ability, Wyandottes are also known for their friendly personalities, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a pet chicken. Wyandottes come in a variety of colors, including white, black, silver, and golden laced. Their feathers are thick and their combs are upright, making them a striking addition to any backyard flock.
Rhode Island Reds
The Rhode Island Red is an iconic breed of chicken due to its excellent egg-laying capabilities. On average, Rhode Island Reds lay around 250-300 brown eggs per year. They are known for their hardiness and disease resistance and are a great breed for small-scale backyard chicken flocks. They have a reddish-brown color, hence the name, and are active foragers. Rhode Island Reds are friendly and can become quite tame, making them a great choice for a pet chicken.
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock chickens are a popular dual-purpose breed of chicken. They are well-known for their egg-laying capabilities, and can produce up to 250 eggs per year! They are a hardy breed and have a calm and docile temperament. Plymouth Rock chickens have a broad chest and a relatively large body size, which makes them ideal for both meat and egg production. They are a great choice for farmers and backyard enthusiasts alike, due to their excellent egg-laying capabilities and friendly nature.
