Chickens for beginners

[Hilary B]

I like the cuckoo marans, but they aren't to everyone's taste (can be a bit excitable, but lovely deep brown eggs). If you want something placid for children, remember that the bigger the hen, the more laid-back it is likely to be (an average) so the 'dual purpose' sized birds are a good bet. So many newer breeds I can't compete (my info is well out of date), but if you are NOT going to get a cockerel, Rhodies (RIR) are an option (while some Rhodie cockerels are fine, a lot more are aggressive), and they lay nicely 'light brown' eggs. Light Sussex are similar in size, probably even better temperament, but lay rather paler (or white) eggs, and brown eggs LOOK nice when you serve boiled eggs for breakfast, or when the children collect the eggs in the morning (but white ones may be easier to spot).

[greysquirrel]

We kept Warrens when I was a kid - nice friendly chooks they were too.
Used to eat the rhubarb, chase the cats and make dust baths in the flower beds.

[Eyren]

I have also heard that White Stars are not terribly tame, so probably not your best choice. I have two pekins and a miniature wyandotte. The pekins are small and very tame, but on the downside they really only lay frequently in the spring; the wyandotte is bossy and really hates to be petted! I'd love a couple more banties, perhaps of a better egg-laying breed like Light Sussex or RIR, but I don't have space at the moment

Whereabouts are you based, jamjellybina? If you put your town or county name in your profile, nearby Grapes (that's us, btw!) might be able to advise you on the best place to buy both your hens and any supplies.