10 Chicken Breeds that Make the Best Starter Chickens for the First Time Poultry Keeper

Choosing a chicken even for a seasoned chicken keeper can be a daunting task as you are quite spoilt for choice. If you have started the process and are now serious about starting your first flock, we have put together a list of ten of the best chicken breeds that make a good starter chicken.

OUR TOP 10 STARTER CHICKEN CHOICES

1. Hybrids

One of the best starter chickens to get is a hybrid chicken such as the Easter Egger, ISA Brown or the Star (Black Star or Red Star) chickens.
They are hardy, friendly, easy to handle and can adapt to any environment no matter the size. They take to confinement well and lay a whole lot of fresh eggs for you. Good family pets and as a commercial bird, you are bound to find them as rescue birds in need of a kind loving home. Even though they not lay as many eggs as they did in their prime years they are still able to lay a decent amount per week.Read More

2. Orpington

I believe as a first-time chicken owner you really cannot go wrong with an Orpington or two. These birds are not only soft, feathery and beautiful (the come in white or buff) but they love attention. They do not mind being picked up or cuddled and have been known to perch on their humans’ shoulder or arm. The only downside to Orpington’s is that you have to be careful about what breeds you mix them with if you are thinking of having a mixed flock. More aggressive breeds may bully them. But if you have kids they are the greatest chickens for them to learn to care for. Read More

3. Jersey Giant

I have a huge soft spot for these gentle giants as they have the most amazing natures. They are hardy and lay a fair amount of eggs. Jersey Giants form an attachment to their humans and will follow you around much like a puppy dog does. They are also a very good family pet although they can be easy to handle they are one of the heaviest breeds, so it is imperative that children are supervised around them. You do not want to end up spooking both the child and chicken which may make them lose confidence around them.Read More

4. Brahma

The Brahma chicken is another gentle giant and is nearly the same size as the Jersey Giant. These birds have a very majestic air about them. If chickens had a perfect posture these big chickens would be the prime example. They are a chicken breed that always tends to reign supreme in the pecking order. Not because they are aggressive but because they have a way of keeping the peace around them. Read More

5. Silkies

If you are wanting to learn more about keeping chickens and not too fussed about egg production, then a Silkie may just be the chicken for you. Their feathers may need a bit of taking care of but overall, they are a fairly low maintenance chicken if kept in a fair size flock with chickens that have the same or similar personality traits to them. If you keep Silkies you get to learn all about Bantams as well.Read More

6. Delaware

The only problem you may have is finding a reputable supplier that keep Delaware chickens. It is not impossible though as there are a few breeders in the USA. They are quite a rare breed of chicken but if you can find them, they make a really excellent starter chicken. They are very hardy and love to forage making them a low maintenance chicken that has a friendly and inquisitive nature. Delaware is also a decent egg layer. Read More

7. Leghorn

Leghorn is not the friendliest chicken and can be quite aggressive towards other chickens. But they are very decent egg layers and are quite happy to fend for themselves. This makes them a low maintenance chicken and they do eventually get used to a person. If handled correctly from a chick can be tamed but they are very flight birds. They are not, however, the best chicken breed to have if you have children as they do not like to be handled and are very skittish.Read More

8. Rhode Island Red

These very well-known beauties are the most well-known chicken in the world. They are also a very popular choice among first time and seasoned chicken keepers.
They are friendly, calm and make really good pets as they do not mind being confined or petted.
Rhode Island Red chickens are quite a low maintenance bird and are quite happy to forage about in any sized garden or run.Read More

9. Wyandotte

The Wyandotte is a very easy-going chicken with a friendly nature. They are quite happy foraging about or following you around the garden having a chat.
These lovely birds will lay lots of nice fresh eggs for your table and give you hours of great entertainment. They love attention, a mind being cuddled.Read More

10. Sussex

The Sussex are very easy-going chickens making for a great starter breed. They are one of the oldest English breeds and have a very friendly nature. They are also good around supervised children, will lay lots of fresh eggs and make good pets.
Sussex are great foragers that are quite happy eating their fair share of garden tidbits. A low maintenance chicken that does well in and easilyo most environments.Read More

Before making a choice of chicken breed it is best to have a clear vision as to what you are wanting to get out of owning chickens. Are you looking for fresh eggs, a pet, etc? For advice on keeping chickens see our “The first-time chicken owners starter guide”.