6 Chicken Breeds That Are Perfect for Children

In general, chickens make amazing pets. Getting chickens “for the kids” is a heartwarming idea that conjures up images of sun-dappled yards, giggling children collecting eggs, and cuddly hens nestled in little arms. And yes, chickens can absolutely bring joy, responsibility, and meaningful life lessons into a child’s world. But before you Google “best chicken breeds for children,” it’s worth pausing to ask a deeper set of questions. We will explain what an expert says about chickens for kids, cover the best breeds for children, and explore what families need to know before getting chickens.

What Does an Expert Say?

We spoke to Julia (last name withheld for privacy purposes) from Perennial Hill, LLC. Perennial Hill is a market farm and small-scale chick hatchery practicing regenerative agriculture in the rising foothills of Oregon’s Coast Range.

“There’s so much to be learned from chickens: responsibility, economics, work ethic, animal husbandry, the incredible amount of labor that goes into producing food. I think parents would be best served by choosing chickens that match their own goals and the housing available for the chickens,” says Julia.

She urges parents to consider their real goals:

• Are you looking for pets or egg-layers (or both)?

• Will the birds live in a backyard coop, a pasture, a forest, or something in between?

• Do you want your kids to simply enjoy animals, or are you hoping to teach them about food production, responsibility, and the value of hard work?

Once those questions are answered, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right birds, not just for your kids, but for your whole family’s lifestyle and values.

Julia says, “Parents should also probably think about their children experiencing loss – some chickens will live for a very long time, others might not. There’s also the rooster issue. Male chicks are usually the prettiest and the most friendly, most likely to be the favorite, can the parents keep him, or will the child have to give him up?” When you buy chickens, you can’t always guarantee that you will get females. And with some breeds, you won’t know if they are roosters for months. These are all things to consider before you get your chickens. It is essential to check your city ordinance regarding roosters. In addition, it is good to have a plan in case you end up with a rooster.

Researching local chicken-keeping rules, different breeds, and proper care is a smart way to ensure you and your kids know what to expect.

Best Breeds for Kids

There are certain breeds of chickens that are known for their friendly temperaments, manageable sizes, and overall suitability for families. Here’s a closer look at some of the best choices:

Silkie

• Temperament: Silkie chickens are famously gentle and sweet-natured. Their docile personalities make them excellent companions for children, especially for first-time chicken owners. Plus, their feathers look like fuzz. Their feathers lack barbicels, which are the hooks to hold the feathers in. This is what gives them their poofy look. They are also incredibly cute.

• Size: Small and easy to handle, Silkies are ideal for small hands and backyard coops.

• Egg Production: They don’t lay as many eggs as some other breeds, but their charm more than makes up for it. Silkies lay about 2-3 eggs a week, and the eggs are typically cream in color and smaller in size, which is a delight for kids.

Plymouth Rock

• Temperament: Outgoing and sociable, Plymouth Rocks enjoy human interaction and often become quite attached to their caregivers. These are wonderful chickens for beginners; they are very friendly. Plymouth Rocks have a long laying period. Another bonus is that they are a quiet breed.

• Size: Medium-sized birds that are sturdy enough to be handled gently by children.

• Egg Production: They’re reliable layers of medium to large brown eggs. They lay about 4 a week.

Rhode Island Red

• Temperament: These birds are known for being hardy and adaptable. While generally friendly, they can be a bit more independent than some other breeds, which may suit older or more confident children. Rhode Island Reds are very vocal chickens that live a long time, so that is something to consider.

• Size: Medium-sized with a strong, robust build.

• Egg Production: Excellent egg layers. Rhode Island Reds lay 5-6 brown eggs a week.

Cochin

• Temperament: Calm, quiet, and very gentle, Cochins are the teddy bears of the chicken world. They’re easy to catch, enjoy being held, and are patient with children. They have a rich history, gentle and friendly personalities, striking appearances, and come in a variety of colors.

• Size: Though they’re large and very fluffy, their laid-back nature makes them easy to manage and fun to interact with.

• Egg Production: They lay a moderate number of brown eggs. They lay about 2-3 eggs per week.

Orpington

• Temperament: Orpingtons, in particular, are known for their mellow, affectionate nature. They are friendly, easygoing, and often follow their owners around like feathered puppies. They come in black, buff, blue, and white.

• Size: A large but very manageable breed, Orpingtons are easy to hold and handle due to their calm nature, making them a good choice for children.

• Egg Production: Consistent layers of brown eggs. They lay about 4-5 eggs a week.

Easter Eggers

• Temperament: Easter Eggers are mixed breeds and not a recognized breed in themselves. They are hybrids that result from crossing breeds like Ameraucana or Araucana with other chicken breeds. They are known for their calm and sociable nature, making Easter Eggers easy to handle and interact with. They come in a range of feather colors and patterns, and they lay colorful eggs.

• Size:  Medium-sized with a compact but solid build.

• Egg Production: Easter Eggers lay 4-5 colorful eggs a week. Easter Egger chickens lay a variety of egg colors, including blue, green, pink, and light brown. Each hen consistently lays eggs of one color, but the specific color can vary widely among different hens.

What Families Need to Know

Raising chickens can provide a surprisingly rich educational experience for kids. They learn about animal care, daily responsibilities, the biology of egg production, and even basic microeconomics (like egg sales!). If your family decides to raise birds for meat or faces the loss of a hen due to illness or predators, these experiences can contribute to a deeper understanding of the cycle of life.

It’s important for families to approach chicken-keeping with realistic expectations and a comprehensive understanding of what’s involved. Chickens require daily attention and thoughtful care, from feeding and health maintenance to protection from predators and meeting seasonal needs. However, the experience can be very rewarding for families. And yes, there will be joyful moments like eggs in little hands, feathered friends perched on shoulders, and the steady rhythm of a new family routine.

Parting Thoughts

If you’re choosing chickens for your kids, do so intentionally. Think beyond the breed and look at your family’s goals, your setup, and your values. The best chicken for your family might not be the cuddliest one in the catalog; it could be the one that helps your children understand where their food comes from or teaches them patience, consistency, and respect for living things.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everything depends on your family and each individual chicken. But if you approach chicken-keeping with open eyes and an open heart, chickens can enrich your family’s life in ways that go far beyond breakfast.

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