Favorite chicken breeds for kids is a beginner’s resource on how to raise a kid-friendly family flock. Researching which friendly chickens are good for kids is so worth your time. Nothing can ruin an experience than a mean hen. Also knowing which ones can get along together really helps. No drama, no picking on each other, and they all love to be picked up and talked to.
When we lived in town, we had our first four Cochin chickens. The neighbors had out-of-town friends over. The man looked over the fence and saw our chickens and asked me if they laid the same eggs as you could get in the store. I was like yes they do. He couldn’t believe they actually laid eggs you can eat. Not store eggs. Hopefully, we can raise our children to at least know where eggs come from!
Why chickens are good for kids
Many Lessons to Learn
- Teach Responsibility. Chickens don’t need a ton of care, they are pretty self-sufficient. Feed and water bowls need to be filled. Doors opened in the morning and shut at night. Making sure they have clean bedding and clean nest boxes. Collecting eggs.
- Being an entrepreneur. Nothing is more fun for a child than making a few extra dollars. Unless you’re a large family, the chances of having an extra few dozen eggs, especially in the summer are pretty high. Kids learn if they take special care of their chickens, they may be able to make a few extra dollars to save or spend.
- Learning where our food comes from. As I said above, so many of us are disconnected from where we get our food. Things don’t just appear at a grocery store, like some think. An egg is several weeks old before it gets to the grocery store. A fun experiment is to crack a store egg and one of your fresh eggs and see the difference.
- Cooking. Once you get fresh eggs, it will be fun to teach your child how to make scrambled eggs, omelets, and so many other dishes. How to crack an egg, so many life skills. Of course, you can do this with store-bought eggs, but it is so much more rewarding when you helped your chicken make an egg, by taking good care of it.
- Life and Death. This is a hard one, but it happens. Sometimes a chicken gets attacked by a predator, sometimes they just will get sick and pass away. You may accidentally not lock a chicken door at night. It never is easy, even being an adult. It is a sad but good lesson for kids. Teaching your child that you gave that chicken an amazing loved life, and she was so happy with you, and that is why we always treat our animals with respect. We love them so if something happens we know we did all we could.
Favorite Chicken Breeds for Kids
1. Cochins
Cochins have to be my favorite breed of chicken of all time. I would say the top of the list for kid-friendly chicken breeds. They are docile, sweet, and very friendly. Feathery feet, legs, fluffy. Fairly good egg layers, mine tend to take a winter break, but most chickens do. There are several colors of Cochins so you can have a beautiful flock.
My Cochin rooster Fred is a mild-mannered boy. If he could talk I am sure all he would say is “excuse me, am I in your way, you look lovely today” he is just that sweet!
Cochin chickens are hearty for cold weather, easily go to bed at night, like treats but not too many. Make excellent mothers, and tend to go broody. So if you want to hatch baby chicks in the future, these gals are for you!
2. Easter Eggers
Easter Eggers are not a breed, more like the mutt of chickens. They can’t be shown and don’t qualify as a breed. But just like your average pup, they are loveable and great to have around.
They are very friendly and winter hardy. A great choice for a kid-friendly chicken.
They lay extra-large eggs and fun colors that range from blue to olive to pink. If you want to add color to your egg basket these are the chickens for you!
3. Salmon Faverolle
Salmon Faverolles have quickly become a second favorite around my farm. A very good kid friendly chicken. These are so fun to watch, they love to run for treats, always busy, and chatter alot between themselves and at you. Being picked up isn’t a bother and will gladly accept hug.
Salmon Faverolles are winter hardy and average egg layers. They also like to be mommas and will sit on a batch of eggs.
These are a rare breed and on the endangered chicken list. It is awesome that they are now making them available at local feed stores and online stores. Hopefully we can get them off that endangered list soon!
I have two Salmon Faverolle roosters and they also are so sweet! I have never had a problem with them, but always be careful with all roosters, till you really get to know them. Kids and adults alike.
4. Russian Orloffs
Russian Orloffs are very similar to me as the Salmon Favorelles. They are very friendly. They stick close to home, one of the first to go to bed, and will run to you for a treat. Orloffs don’t mind getting picked up at all. They are very winter hardy, lay brown eggs, and are medium egg layers.
Well there you have it, Favorite Chicken Breeds for Kids. I am sure there are many more, and I would love for you to comment below if you have a breed that does well with children!
More chicken posts :
Beginners Guide to Raising Baby Chicks
Pin this Post
