Are you considering raising backyard chickens? We’re so excited for you! Chickens can be such a delightful addition to your family, but with hundreds of breeds of hens to choose from, it can be tough to decide which ones are right for you.
If you’re wondering which chicken breed you should add to your coop, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 10 best backyard chicken breeds for beginners (in our opinion). By the end of this article, you will be ready to choose the perfect chicken breeds for your backyard flock!
The top 10 best backyard chicken breeds for beginners
Here are 10 of the best chicken breeds for beginners, in ascending order of their egg production (and coincidentally starting with our favourite 🥰).
Pekin Bantam
Eggs: Around 120 small-sized eggs per year
Pekin Bantam chickens are known for being friendly and docile, making them a great choice for first-time chicken owners. These cute little birds are also relatively easy to care for and make excellent backyard pets. Although they can be flighty at times, Pekin Bantams typically get along well with other chickens and make great additions to any flock.
Silkies
Eggs: Around 120 small-sized eggs per year
Silkies are a unique breed of chicken that is known for their friendly personality and calming temperament. Often described as the “teddy bears” of the chicken world, they make great pets for both children and adults. Although they are not typically used for egg production, Silkies make a wonderful addition to any backyard.
Australorp
Eggs: Around 250 medium-sized eggs per year
The Austrolorp chicken is known for its friendly, gentle, and docile temperament. They are a great choice for families who are looking for a pet chicken that is easy to handle and train. This breed of chicken is incredibly calm and will even come when you call their name. They tend to be very friendly with humans and other animals, making them great for backyard flocks. Their docile nature also makes them an ideal choice for small children as they don’t tend to get spooked by loud noises or sudden movements. The Austrolorp also has a good amount of intelligence which makes them relatively easy to train when it comes to tricks and commands. All in all, the Austrolorp has an excellent temperament that makes them an ideal addition to any family home!
Orpington
Eggs: Around 180 medium-sized eggs per year
Orpington chickens are a large, dual-purpose chicken breed known for their docile temperament and friendly personality. They are an excellent choice for first-time chicken keepers and families with small children. Orpingtons are relatively calm birds and get along well with other chickens. They are not known for being particularly active or adventurous, preferring to spend their days foraging and dust bathing in the safety of their flock. This breed is also known for being quite broody, meaning they will often sit on a clutch of eggs in an attempt to hatch them.
Plymouth Rock
Eggs: Around 200 medium-sized eggs per year
Plymouth Rock chickens are known for their hardy and docile temperament. These birds are friendly, calm, and easy to handle, making them an ideal choice for backyard chicken keepers. They are also quite social, preferring to be around humans and other poultry. They aren’t prone to aggression or territorial behaviour and generally get along with other poultry breeds. Plymouth Rocks are also relatively quiet, so they won’t disturb your neighbours with loud cackles or squawks. They do enjoy dust baths and scratching in the dirt, so they need access to a larger area of space than some other chicken breeds.
Wyandotte
Eggs: Around 200 large-sized eggs per year
Wyandottes are a popular breed of chicken known for their friendly temperament and outgoing personality. These chickens are relatively easy to handle and make great pets for both children and adults alike. If you’re looking for a friendly, outgoing chicken that will provide you with plenty of fresh eggs, then the Wyandotte is the perfect breed for you!
Araucana
Eggs: Around 250 medium/large-sized eggs per year
Araucana chickens are a docile breed that is known for being friendly and laying blue-coloured eggs. They make great backyard chickens because they are not prone to aggression. However, they can be skittish around loud noises and sudden movements. While Araucanas are not the best egg layers, they more than make up for it in personality. They are curious birds that love to explore their surroundings. They are also very social creatures and enjoy interacting with their human companions.
Leghorn
Eggs: Around 250 medium-sized eggs per year
Leghorn chickens have a reputation for being high-strung and flighty, but they can be quite sweet and affectionate birds. Despite their small size, Leghorns are known for being tough and hardy, and they make excellent backyard flock members. Although they may not be the cuddliest chickens around, they are interesting and active birds that will keep you entertained for hours.
Rhode Island Red
Eggs: Around 250 medium-sized eggs per year
The Rhode Island Red is a popular breed of chicken that is known for its mild, friendly temperament and personality. These chickens are typically calm and friendly, making them an ideal backyard addition. They do not tend to be aggressive, so they make excellent family pets. The hens are especially docile and will often follow their owners around the yard. While they can be territorial with other chickens, they rarely show aggression towards humans. They also have a strong sense of curiosity and love exploring their environment. As such, they need plenty of room to roam in order to keep them healthy and happy. All in all, the Rhode Island Red is an excellent choice for those looking for a pet chicken that is easy to care for and has a gentle temperament. A great addition to your chicken coop!
ISA Brown
Eggs: Around 300-350 medium/large-sized eggs per year
There’s something special about the ISA Brown hen. What they may lack in visual appeal, they certainly make up for in personality. A hybrid breed mainly used for commercial egg production, ISA Browns are a cheeky, hardy beginner chicken that will chase you around for treats and sneak in through your pet doors. They’re very good layers, so if you’re after a consistent egg layer, you found it. They’re also known for being quite talkative, and will often “chat” with you when they see you.
Conclusion: the best chicken breeds for beginners
Raising backyard chickens can have a great number of benefits, not just bringing fresh eggs to the table, and for beginners, the most important thing is to select a breed that is friendly, and easy to care for. There are many breeds to choose from, and this article highlighted 10 good options that are known for being beginner-friendly. As you research which breed(s) might be perfect for your backyard flock, make sure you consider the specific characteristics and egg production. You’re sure to find one that meets your needs and will become a treasured member of your family!
